Motor Trades Association NT joins recruitment drive in UK, Ireland in urgent search for mechanics

Statistics have revealed the dire state of job vacancies in the NT’s motor trade industry, forcing recruiters to head overseas on an urgent hiring spree.

The urgent search for apprentices to work in the motor trade industry has led recruiters to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Representatives from Motor Trades Association NT flew out of the Territory on Monday as part of the NT government’s Global Worker Attraction campaign.

Darwin mechanic Mark Winn, who works at Phil Kerr Service Centre in Harriet Place, said he had multiple vacancies for mechanics and ancillary staff if they were available.

Mr Winn employs a team of six but would welcome more trained mechanics and apprentices.

“I hope they bring some mechanics back,” Mark said about the UK recruitment drive.

“It’s not a Darwin issue or a Territory issue it’s Australia-wide, across the board, nobody can get staff. It’s not just mechanics or skilled trades its non-skilled, everything.

The Territory urgently needs mechanics says local mechanic Mark Winn.

“I don’t know where these people have gone but it’s the same for everybody – skilled, non-skilled labour – you just cannot find them.

“There were shortages before the pandemic but now it’s just ridiculous for anybody trying to find staff these days.

“We could fill another three positions today and we took an apprentice last week which was positive.

“Apprentice wages aren’t massive by any stretch of the imagination but as long as he’s got a good support network behind him he should be fine.

“There are great rewards at the end of an apprenticeship and if you have a passion for cars you might as well be qualified for it. You can go on and set up your own shop.”

Motor Trades Association chief executive Darrell Jacobs said the UK and Irish delegation would promote lifestyle and exciting employment opportunities in the NT’s automotive industry.

Mark Winn from Phil Kerr Service Centre in Darwin.

Mr Jacobs said he spoke with 20 businesses before flying to London and they identified at least 67 job vacancies.

“Just about everybody we speak to says they could put on an additional worker today if they could find and keep one,” he said.

“This is supported by Jobs and Skills Australia’s recent Labour Market Update report showing Darwin has the third highest regional vacancy rate in the country for motor mechanics.

“The response from our industry has been incredible, with more than 67 job opportunities from over 20 businesses across the full range of automotive trades including automotive mechanics, heavy diesel mechanics, auto electricians, panel beaters and vehicle painters.

“We are grateful for the Northern Territory government’s support to join the delegation

as well as their recognition of the important role of migration, in addition to

apprenticeships, upskilling and reskilling, to address critical skill shortages.”

In a pre-budget submission to the Northern Territory government, the MTA called for the UK trip to be an annual delegation and for greater support for small and medium businesses to access skilled migration.