It was the fifth information evening held since the ACIA was set up in May

Industry representatives recently attended an Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) event at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) to discuss how the industry can work together to tackle the skills shortage in Australia. 
The ACIA was set up in May of 2023 to inform the industry of the alliance’s strategy to attract new talent into the industry and to encourage businesses to join. Since then, it has held five of these information sessions.
First to take to the lectern at the most recent session was CIT’s Adrian Gibbons who told the audience that CIT has been training apprentices for nearly 100 years.
Adrian was also able to report that there has been a rise in enrolments for refinishing at the Institute and that nearly 40 percent of 2024’s intake are women. 
Paint and Panel’s Sam Street explained how the ACIA came into being and its mission, while ACIA Directors Sarah Moynihan from Fortress and Rob Bartlett from Supply Side discussed the working groups, the board structure and what the ACIA has achieved in its first six months and plans for next year.
ACIA’s stand at the 2024 Summernats was also announced at the event.
“The response to the launch of ACIA from the industry has been very encouraging,” Rob said. 
“People are realising that by working collaboratively we can actually make a difference, raise the profile of the industry and get the word out that there are many rewarding careers available.”
The Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) is a not-for-profit entity established to promote rewarding career paths and ensure the sustainability of an important industry: Collision Repair.
Through funding and support from a wide range of industry stakeholders, the ACIA strives to develop and drive innovative programs to attract and retain people for the industry.
The ACIA has 46 members to date, with this number reportedly growing with each event the Alliance hosts across Australia.

For more information, to join a working group or to become a member of the ACIA, email info@theacia.com.au