Chair’s Report

MTA CHAIR, FRANK AGOSTINO

In these uncertain times, it was a privilege to get together in person for the 95th Annual General Meeting held at Adelaide Oval – a much more personable occasion than last year’s online version!

The proceedings were well received and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) officially oversaw the election of the board, which has remained unchanged from our transitional 2020 board.

We also had the chance to acknowledge our long-term members who had reached the 25, 50 and incredible 75 year milestones in the past 12 months.

A Life Membership Award was presented to Clive Polley of Independent Components, nominated for his dedication to the various divisions and sub-committees he has tirelessly aided over the years. Although, he can be commended for more than his vocal advocacy work – Clive also has a great passion for growing industry by employing apprentices and for our training organisation, which he has contributed countless hours in developing courses, as well as donating training equipment.

Prior to the AGM, the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) met to discuss how activities to combat our prioritised issue of skill shortages were progressing. The IAC then shifted focus to future technology and how best we as an industry can prepare for the inevitable rapid change. You can read more about how the meeting unfolded on page 22.

One common theme through all of our IAC discussions is the need to promote our industry through schools as a genuine pathway into an exciting and secure future for young people.

We have entered into an agreement with the Department of Education as a preferred training provider for their new VET in Schools program, VETRO.

Not wanting to waste any time, we have already formally signed a new agreement to deliver Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20520) to St Patrick's Technical College students from next year and a separate agreement with Underdale High School.

There are plenty more prospects on the horizon to assist in the training of students and encourage the pipeline of future skills, but the major positive we want to influence for young people are job outcomes.

For too long, students have been steered towards university courses by school pathway advisers without understanding or experiencing a taste of how rewarding a career in the automotive industry can be.

“One common theme through all of our IAC discussions is the need to promote our industry through schools as a genuine pathway into an exciting and secure future for young people.”

As industry professionals, we know the many opportunities afforded to those with determination to succeed in the automotive world – there are endless success stories of MTA apprentices going on to start their own business, slowly expanding into a busy enterprise and then coming full-circle by hiring their own apprentice one day, helping kick-start the next generation of auto experts.

If you’re in the position to hire an apprentice, there’s never been a better time with the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements subsidy saving you up to $28,000 in wages. The subsidy can even be used to halve the wages of a new mature age apprentice, so get in quickly before the program finishes in March 2022.

I look forward to seeing our industry grow and I wish all members the best for their business endeavours as we approach the end of the year.