High school students and other job seekers from across South East Queensland get the chance to explore career opportunities available in the automotive industry at a free Automotive Careers Expo in Brisbane on May 22.
Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) has partnered with Capricorn to host the event at the Brisbane Showgrounds which gives local students, and others, the chance to connect with trucking businesses, and other sectors, who are offering career pathways.
With rapid advancements in technology and an increasing demand for skilled professionals, the automotive industry is facing a significant skills shortage.
In Capricorn’s State of the Nation Report in 2024, 54 per cent of business owners from the automotive industry surveyed said one of the biggest challenges they faced in running their business was finding good staff (including apprentices).
The report also found owners weren’t just sitting on their hands waiting for someone else to solve the issue with our pipeline of talent.
Thirty-seven per cent said they were either extremely or very likely to take on an apprentice in the future. This makes it even more important to engage the next generation and spark interest in automotive careers.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm stressed the importance of apprenticeships in securing the future of the industry.
“Apprentices are the future business owners and leaders of the automotive sector. Training apprentices is essential for the long-term sustainability of our industry,” Camm said.
With businesses in need of skilled staff, apprenticeships are the way forward.
Capricorn QLD Member Director and Board Chair Mark Rowe echoed these sentiments, noting that the expo is a great way to introduce young people to the diversity of roles in the industry.
“As an auto-electrician, I know firsthand how important it is to expose the next generation to the career opportunities in the automotive sector. Events like this are crucial to our industry’s growth and the continued success of our workforce.”
The Brisbane expo follows a series of highly successful events across Queensland, including in Bundaberg, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville, where, collectively, over 700 students and their families had the opportunity to explore automotive careers.
Many participants from these events have already taken their first steps toward careers in the industry, securing work experience placements and apprenticeship opportunities through connections made at the expos.
Representatives from various Australian Apprenticeship Support Networks and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) will be available to provide guidance on Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways.
The expo is open to all local high school students, job seekers, parents, guardians, and automotive employers. RSVP is required here.