Australia’s automotive industry is set to boom, says new report

THE closure of car manufacturing plants will not kill Australia’s auto industry, according to a new report from Auto Skills Australia.

Future of the auto industry ... Adam Fry has started an apprenticeship at Mike Carney Toy

THE closure of car manufacturing plants will not kill Australia’s auto industry, according to a new report from Auto Sills Australia.

The industry is instead predicted to grow as the research reveals a national shortage of 21,175 workers in key skills areas of the car industry.

Light vehicle mechanics and panel beaters account for more than 50 per cent of the shortage and as the number of cars owned by Australians grow more than 400,000 each year, they will continue to be in high demand.

“Our report shows that employment gains within car and parts wholesaling, repair and maintenance and tyre retailing has more than compensated for declines in employment within car and component manufacturing,” says Mr Geoff Gwilym, CEO of Auto Skills Australia.

“Even before the announcement of the car manufacturer closures, the retail, service and repairs sector comprised 87 per cent of Australia’s automotive industry,” Mr Gwilym said.

“So while manufacturing is facing tough times, retail, services and repairs represents the biggest part of the industry and it’s searching for workers to maintain the nation’s growing vehicle fleet.”

Call to young ... there are millionaire mechanics out there. Picture: Thinkstock

For those who have lost jobs, Mr Gwilym said the expected growth in caravan manufacturing may see jobs available for Ford, Holden and Toyota workers. But upskilling is another possibility.

Phillip Murphy, from automotive training at Kangan Institute, said he is already seeing manufacturing workers being re-skilled to take up new jobs in areas of high demand.

“A number are currently being retrained in the automotive and engineering industries,” he said.

“Their skills can be transferable across multiple sectors.”

And with high demand for workers, both men are also keen to see more younger Australians entering the industry.

“Parents prefer their kids to have a white collar job, but there are millionaire mechanics out there,” said Mr Murphy.

“The focus for higher education has been on university,” Mr Gwilym said.

“But trades should be considered a viable option to help the country build its domestic skills.”

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