Automotive Dual Trade Apprenticeships an Australian First

Apprentices can now double their career prospects in a rapidly evolving automotive industry, following a successful application by the MTA SA to the South Australian Skills Commission for two new dual trade apprenticeships.

The new dual trades, the first automotive dual trades in Australia, combine either a light or heavy vehicle apprenticeship with an automotive electrical apprenticeship.

South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer praised the MTA for its leadership.

“South Australia is leading the way with the first automotive dual trades in Australia. It’s critical that we ensure apprentices entering the workforce are prepared with the skills they need.”

With industry sources predicting a step change in automotive technology, including more electric vehicles, dual trades may have arrived at just the right time.

“Our members and customers were not only telling us that this technology was coming. They were telling us it is already here” said MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs.

In South Australia, zero and low emission vehicles including hybrids, plug in hybrids and electric vehicles currently account for more than 20 per cent of all new cars sold bringing new customers, challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Responding to industry calls, Mr. Jacobs added “as an industry association, trainer and employer of automotive apprentices, the MTA’s job was to make sure that businesses and apprentices are ready for whatever enters the workshop.”

People & Safety Manager, from Australia’s largest dealer group Eagers Automotive, Jenny Seal agreed, saying “we are thrilled with the announcement of dual trade apprenticeships and the opportunities this will bring to our SA dealer network.”

We're proud to introduce our first dual trade apprentice, William Forrest, an MTA Apprentice who is hosted at McLaren Vale Auto Electrical.

William started his induction as a dual trade light vehicle and auto electrical apprentice just two weeks after the announcement and was personally congratulated by Acting Skills Commissioner John Chapman OAM.

"Having the dual trade will allow me to work in almost any workshop. If I ever want to move or travel, I can always pick up a job anywhere in the country. It's very handy to have knowledge of light vehicle technology and auto electrical systems, especially with the rise of newer electrical cars,” William said.

"It's only an extra year, and you get a whole other certificate out of it. It's just worth it and makes sense."

Expressing his gratitude, William said said he was “very happy to be here. Thank you to the MTA, my Employment Officer James Reimann, and McLaren Vale Auto Electrical for hosting me."

South Australian Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker was one of the first to learn of the MTA’s plans to apply for two dual trade apprenticeships.

“The South Australian Skills Commission has worked in partnership with the MTA to formally establish these dual qualifications. It is a great example, of how, in partnership with industry, the skills system can develop and respond to specific workforce needs.”

MTA Training and Employment is the first in South Australia to offer dual trade apprenticeships with expressions of interest for businesses and apprentices.

Visit www.mtasant.com.au to find out more about dual trades.