Peak body Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) is calling for volunteers to join a new working group targeted at skills, workforce development and training.
The first item on the agenda is to spearhead HVIA’s advocacy to have the terminology of ‘mechanic’ officially changed to ‘technician’, said CEO Todd Hacking.
“We believe this seemingly small change not only better reflects the job of a modern-day tradesperson, but also enhances the appeal of a trades career to industry new-comers,” Hacking said.
“But after that, we need to ensure that we have the right people in the room guiding our advocacy and policy development and ensuring that our efforts are being directed to the right areas.”
In recent years, HVIA said its engagement and activity in these important areas has skyrocketed in direct response to the industry’s chronic skilled labour shortage.
HVIA has a long history of acknowledging apprentices through its flagship awards program, its popular School to Industry tours and Brisbane Truck Show’s National Apprentice Challenge.
In 2023, HVIA even ran the “Much More Than Just A Job” campaign targeted at school leavers.
Hacking was recently appointed to the Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel for the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, one of 10 Jobs and Skills Councils of the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
If you are interested in joining the working group, email admin@hvia.asn.au.