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.

Australian Made Week is celebrated from 19 to 25 May. Support Aussie businesses by buying Australian-made products.

Endurequip Portalift has been proudly manufactured in Brisbane. It is the only Australian-made mobile heavy vehicle hoist made using Australian steel and parts. We are proud to support local jobs and the wider community in Australia. Buy Australian-made products this week to give back to Aussie businesses.

Why buy Australian-made? Read our blog published a few years ago - Why buy Aussie and Local.

Watch our video below:

This news is shared from the RUD Australia website. 

Article copyright to RUD. Australian Made logo and trademarks are the property of the Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) and used under licence and permission. Check their website here.

In the demanding environment of Australian workshops, selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp is critical for efficiency, safety, and return on investment. Vehicle ramps can be integrated into workshops and are engineered to handle substantial weight capacities. By facilitating smoother vehicle access, they reduce manual handling risks and can contribute to long-term cost savings and return on investment.

When paired with Endurequip's Portalift Hoists, RUD Heavy-Duty Vehicle Ramps offer a streamlined solution for servicing trucks and heavy vehicles.

Key Benefits of RUD Heavy Duty Vehicle Ramps

Enhanced Workshop Efficiency - RUD’s vehicle ramps are designed to reduce vehicle turnaround time, allowing workshops to service vehicles more quickly and get them back on the road. By easy integration with Portalift Hoists, you can eliminate the need to reposition adjustments when servicing different vehicles.

Optimised Workshop Processes - The design of the vehicle ramps ensures that no manual positioning adjustments are required for various vehicles. This feature enhances the efficiency of workshop floor operations and processes, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.

Improved Safety Standards - The RUD vehicle ramps increase safety by minimising manual interaction on the workshop floor without the risk of traditional pit systems. This approach reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Return on Investment - Investing in RUD’s vehicle ramps can yield a return on investment in less than two years.

Versatile Integration with Hydraulic Jacks - RUD's vehicle ramps can be integrated with rails to support hydraulic jacks in workshops requiring additional lifting capabilities. This versatility allows for a wide range of servicing options.

Complementary Workshop Equipment

To further enhance workshop operations, consider pairing vehicle ramps with other Endurequip products:

• Portalift Hoists: Portable and robust, designed for heavy vehicle maintenance
• Vehicle Stands: Provide stable support during maintenance tasks
• A-Frame Trailer Adaptors: Facilitate easy vehicle loading and unloading

These accessories ensure a comprehensive solution for all heavy vehicle servicing needs.

Selecting the Right Vehicle Ramp

When choosing a heavy-duty vehicle ramp, consider the following factors:

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the ramp can support the weight of the vehicles you service
• Material: Choose durable materials like structural-grade aluminium for longevity and strength
• Compliance: Verify that the ramp meets Australian standards, such as AS/NZS 2538:2004
• Integration: Choose ramps compatible with your existing equipment, like Portalift Hoists.

RUD's heavy-duty vehicle ramps are designed to make your choice easier and ensure a reliable and efficient solution for your workshop

Visit our stand #297 on the Plaza Level, Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025 for details about our Australian-Made Endurequip Portalift and German-Made Finkbeiner wireless truck hoists, accessories and workshop handling solutions.

Contact Endurequip

Our vehicle ramps are available in two options: An 8m Standard Ramp with a 14t capacity and a 10m Premium Ramp with a 20t capacity. For more information on selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp for your workshop, contact our team at 07 3809 1399 or email us.

Investing in quality equipment like our vehicle ramps can significantly enhance your workshop's efficiency, safety, and profitability.

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

 

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In an Australian heavy vehicle workshop, floor real estate is valuable. Fixed vehicle hoists can be inefficient as they occupy floor space even when not in use, hindering workflow and limiting workshop capabilities. Mobile truck and bus hoists offer a smarter solution, providing space-saving and flexible workshop layouts that boost productivity and safety.

Workshop Limitations of Fixed Hoists

Many older Australian workshops often use pits or fixed above-ground hoists, both of which create space limitations. Fixed hoists require dedicated bays around their lifting points. When a hoist is not in use, this bay remains idle, wasting valuable space. This inflexibility restricts workflow, particularly in workshops with limited space. Manoeuvring trucks and buses around fixed hoists can be difficult, requiring precise positioning and increasing the risk of minor accidents. Fixed hoists are also challenging in workshops that require adapting to different vehicle sizes.

Reclaiming Workshop Space

Mobile heavy vehicle hoists provide an ideal alternative to fixed hoists. Designed for portability, these hoists operate in synchronised pairs or sets to lift entire vehicles. Mounted on wheels or castors, mobile hoists can be moved around the workshop to the vehicle's location. After lifting, vehicles can be placed on stands, freeing up the hoists to lift other vehicles.

This mobility offers significant space-saving advantages. Workshops can move away from fixed bay layouts to dynamic, adaptable workspaces. Instead of fixed bays dictating workflow, floor space becomes flexible and adjustable to the vehicles being serviced and the tasks required.

Adapting to Australia's Diverse Workshop Demands

Mobile truck and bus hoists enhance workshop efficiency and productivity beyond space-saving. Below are some benefits of using mobile truck and bus hoists.

• Versatility: Mobile hoists allow workshops to utilise the entire floor space during peak periods and repurpose areas during quieter times
• Service a Range of Vehicles: Mobile hoists accommodate various wheelbases and vehicle sizes, including trailers and specialised vehicles. Both Endurequip and Finkbeiner can be used in sets of 4 to 20 hoists to lift different-sized trucks, buses, road trains, rail coaches, and agricultural or portable buildings
• Temporary Layout: In leased workshops, mobile hoists eliminate the need for permanent structural changes like pits or concrete drilling, preserving the building's integrity
• Indoor and Outdoor Use: IP 65-rated mobile hoists, like galvanised Finkbeiner models and Endurequip, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including wash bays and harsh outback conditions
• Minimised Vehicle Movement: Mobile hoists can be moved and brought to the vehicle, reducing unnecessary and time-consuming manoeuvring within the workshop
• Quick Lifting and Lowering: Fast lifting and lowering times, such as Finkbeiner's 90-second cycle, save time and accelerate repair processes
• Enhanced Accessibility: The open design of mobile hoists provides easy access around the vehicle, simplifying inspections and repairs and improving workflow efficiency

Australian Workshop Success

Read how an inter-state bus and coach company experiencing rapid growth switched to mobile hoists from fixed hoist bays and expanded its service capacity.

By switching to mobile bus hoists, they:

• Optimised Lifting Space: They maximised space around the mobile hoists to service both small and large buses without the need for an expensive building expansion
• Established Adaptable Service Zones: They reconfigured the workshop floor to handle different bus sizes for varied maintenance schedules
• Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: Reduced bus manoeuvring sped up turnaround times by minimising unnecessary movement and increased safety

Selecting the Ideal Mobile Hoist: Key Australian Workshop Considerations

Choosing the right mobile truck and bus hoist is crucial for space optimisation and workshop efficiency.

Consider these factors for Australian workshops:

• Lifting Capacity (Australian Standards Compliance): Ensure the hoist capacity exceeds the weight of the heaviest vehicles. Endurequip Portalift complies with Australian standards AS 2550.9.1996, AS/NZS 2538:2004 and ISO 9001, with safety features and underbody access
• Workshop Floor Conditions: Assess how easily hoists move and position across your workshop floor. Look for features like grab handles and appropriate wheel sizes for smooth movement
• Safety Features: Prioritise hoists with essential safety features, including accessible emergency stops and safety locks
• Manufacturer Reputation and Local Support: Select reputable manufacturers with proven experience. Endurequip is Australian-made in Brisbane, while Finkbeiner has a German manufacturing history since 1927. Both brands offer Australia-wide service and spare parts support

An Efficient Australian Workshop Future

Mobile truck and bus hoists overcome the limitations of fixed hoists, offering adaptable solutions for efficient workshop layouts. Endurequip and Finkbeiner mobile hoists empower Australian workshops to maximise space, streamline workflows, increase productivity, and thrive in a competitive market.

RUD will exhibit at the Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025. Visit our booth #297 on the Plaza Level for more details about our truck hoists and workshop handling solutions.

Want free tickets to the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show? Click here to fill out a form to enter the draw to win FREE tickets to the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

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