INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT UNITE FOR AUSTRALIAN FIRST
The first automotive dual trade apprenticeships in Australia have been announced
Apprentices can now double their career prospects in a rapidly evolving automotive industry, following a successful application by the Motor Trade Association (MTA) 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 is 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.
In South Australia, zero and low emission vehicles including hybrids, plug in hybrids and electric vehicles currently account for more than 20 percent of all new cars sold bringing new customers, challenges and opportunities for businesses.
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.”
The MTA is now the first to offer dual trade apprenticeships in South Australia with expressions of interest for businesses and apprentices open on its website.
For more information, visit www.mtasant.com.au