If you ask automotive workshop owners, operations managers or fleet managers what their biggest challenge is, the answer is easy - Hiring people and retaining them. Like many industries in Australia, the automotive industry is facing a skills shortage, which is echoed by the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). This ongoing issue can have critical repercussions on the automotive industry, impacting productivity, safety, upskilling the existing workforce or migration of skilled workers.

Read more about skills shortage on the Australian Trades website - Trades Skills Shortage

So, what can we do to tackle this pressing problem?

The Challenge of Attracting New Talent

To bridge the existing skills gap, we need to market the industry as an appealing career choice for a new generation.

• Highlight the High-Tech Reality: If we imagine a diesel mechanic, we think of a greasy person covered in oil, manually fixing vehicles. But modern trucks and buses are sophisticated machines, requiring advanced diagnostics, software proficiency, and an understanding of complex electrical and electronic systems. Showcasing cutting-edge technology in today’s industry, such as engine management systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), can be one idea to appeal to a tech-savvy generation
• Modernise the Workplace: These days, most workshops are well-lit, clean and organised with the latest tools and machinery. Most equipment is cutting-edge technology and wireless, like the Finkbeiner Heavy Vehicle Hoists, which contribute to a safe and productive environment. Investing in quality equipment is not just about efficiency; it is about attracting and retaining skilled people who want to work in the best environment
• Promote Diverse Career Pathways: An apprenticeship is not the end goal; it is the beginning of an exciting career. Employers should emphasise the progression routes from the programs, such as EV technicians, diagnostic experts, workshop managers, or even training and leadership roles within a fleet operation. Highlighting to the potential recruits that the skills gained through the program are transferable and valued across the industry will help to retain them for the long term
• Engage with Education and Industry Associations: TAFE and technical vocational education providers have excellent programs that may not be widely known. Industry associations like the Heavy Vehicle Transport Association also run apprentice courses, including a National Apprentice of the Year Award. Getting involved with such associations can potentially create mentorship opportunities and direct engagement with the movers and shakers of the industry
• Leverage Government Support: The Australian Government offers significant incentives for apprentices and their employers. Programs like the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System provide financial support, making apprenticeships more attractive and accessible

Investing in Our Existing Workforce

Attracting new talent is crucial, but we must empower the existing workforce with new training and continuous development.

• Learn New Technologies - Especially Electrification: Electric and hybrid heavy vehicles are a rapidly growing segment. Workshops must prioritise training in high-voltage safety, battery diagnostics and EV-specific repair procedures. Specialised courses are available through TAFEs and industry training providers to equip your team with these critical skills
• Prioritise Continuous Professional Development (CPD): As technology evolves, so must our skills. Training should be regular and targeted to ensure technicians and mechanics stay on top of their field. CPD is required to foster a culture of lifelong learning and demonstrate the value of growth to the team
• Promote Practical Mentorship: Pairing experienced technicians/mechanics with apprentices or newer team members is an effective way to transfer knowledge, build confidence and trust and ensure best practices are maintained. Any new training should always follow a hands-on guidance period

The Critical Role of Quality Equipment

The effectiveness of any workshop in attracting and retaining talent is also tied to the quality of its equipment. Modern workshops require reliable, safe, and versatile equipment, including heavy vehicle hoists to handle various vehicles, from trucks to buses and road trains.

This is the reason why leading hoist brands like Endurequip and Finkbeiner are essential to any workshop.

• Endurequip Portalift Hoists are proudly Australian-made and offer unparalleled reliability and safety with the RUD chain-driven system. The robust design with IP65 rating is engineered for the demanding conditions of Australian workshops to ensure safety, longevity and compliance standards
• Finkbeiner Wireless Hoists manufactured in Germany are known for their engineering and state-of-the-art technology. Being wireless and hydraulic, they are virtually maintenance-free with advanced safety features and a simple operation process

By investing in high-quality hoists, workshops can enhance productivity and safety for their current team and attract new mechanics.

Securing Our Future

The skills shortage in the Australian automotive industry is a multi-faceted challenge. By proactively promoting the heavy vehicle industry, investing in comprehensive training for new and existing technicians (especially in emerging technologies like EVs), and equipping workshops with the best equipment, we can attract the next generation of talented individuals. This collective effort will not only keep our essential heavy vehicles operating smoothly but also secure a bright future for the Australian automotive sector.

For more information on robust, Australian-compliant heavy vehicle lifting solutions that empower your workshop, call us on 07 3809 1300.

This blog is shared from the Heavy Vehicle Hoists website - https://www.heavyvehiclehoists.com.au. 

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.