AAAA Welcomes New Automotive Apprentice Funding Program
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) welcomes the Government’s announcement that automotive apprentices are now eligible for funding under the New Energy Apprenticeships Program.
The AAAA, the peak body for the automotive aftermarket industry, which includes independent service and repair workshops believes the program extension will encourage new automotive apprenticeships across the country.
“The broadening of the New Energy Apprenticeships Program to include automotive apprentices is a welcome and important addition to support the future of Australia’s service and repair industry,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program will offer payments of up to $10,000 for automotive apprentices that complete work related to clean energy, which includes service and repair of electric vehicles.
“Whilst in the midst of a skills shortage, our industry is also going through a period of unprecedented change as the car parc begins a transition to EV and Hybrid vehicles, as part of the Government’s Net Zero Plan.
“Extending the scope of the New Energy Apprenticeships Program aligns with the requirements of new automotive apprentices, who need to be trained on the latest EV and Hybrids to be future ready, but are also able to ensure the safety and reliability of our current ICE fleet.
“More than any other time, a future in the automotive industry is an exciting prospect. Combined with the additional payment incentives of up to $10,000 for apprentices, we are optimistic that we will see an uptake in apprentices in our incredible rewarding, technologically advanced and diverse industry.”
“The Program also assists automotive workshops to invest in workshop equipment to support the service and repair of EVs, and opens up a new opportunity to attract and recruit apprentices to their business under this Program.
“We’d like to thank the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP for his continued support of apprenticeships and the future of the automotive industry,” said Stuart.
Stuart also said, “We are looking forward to working with the government on strategies to address the critical shortage of EV Trainers.”
The new incentive for automotive apprentices is a welcome piece of the larger skills shortage puzzle facing the automotive industry. The AAAA looks forward to ongoing dialogue with the Government as the industry navigates these challenges, as part of its broader role promoting and protecting the automotive aftermarket.