Industry’s call for new recruits

Ultimo, inspired by his love and passion for cars.

If you’ve ever had trouble getting hold of a spray painter, you’re not alone. The smash repair industry is short 30,000 workers nationally, and there’s high demand for the next generation of skilled technicians. Thankfully, local experts are on a mission to find new recruits.

According to Jason Shandler from Merv Shipp Smash Repairs in Kingswood, the shortage is nothing new.

“The collision repairs industry has long been short of apprentice panel beaters and spray painters,” he told the Weekender However, an increase in the number of cars on the road following COVID lockdowns means the industry is calling out for even more skilled workers.

South Penrith local Nickolas Abela is currently completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology at TAFE NSW

“I’d just always wanted to work with cars, because my Dad does it too,” he said.

“I did other trades, and it’s good money, but I always envisioned myself working on cars.”

Whilst studying the course and working as an apprentice spray painter at Penrith’s The Smash Repair Centre, Abela has become somewhat of an expert in the trade, and has been selected to compete among the best vehicle painting apprentices in Australia at the WorldSkills National Championships, to be held in Melbourne this August.

Abela was selected after performing a series of tasks to the highest quality industry standard, and taking out the top spot at the Sydney regional competition held last year.

“I was so shocked. I didn’t know I was actually going to get first place,” he said.

In the lead up to the competition, Abela is hoping to encourage more young people to join the trade, sharing some of his favourite parts of the job.

“I love the feeling when you finish a job and it’s all done, and then you see it on the road,” he said.

“I do custom stuff too, so it’s not just your everyday car, it’s lots of old cars too.”

Although he admits that his work isn’t always easy, Abela said he’s had a great start at TAFE.

“You’ve got to have a real passion for cars,” he said.

“It’s a hard trade, and what you do, not many people want to do it. But, if you do it the right way and take care of yourself, it can be really good.”

Shandler agrees that for the right person, opportunities are endless.

“There are extensive opportunities for someone who is keen to learn and hard working,” he said.

“The financial benefits for someone who can finish their apprenticeship and become a tradesperson have never been greater.”