The MTA Training and Employment Centre in Royal Park recently hosted its annual Automotive Careers Days, welcoming over 500 participants, including students, teachers, career advisors, and parents. The two-day event showcased the broad range of opportunities in the automotive industry and offered valuable insights into career pathways.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a range of hands-on activities across seven interactive automotive stations, each offering a real-world look at the skills and technologies driving the future of the industry. Activities included:
- Small engine repair
- Heavy vehicle turbo and engine tests
- In booth spray gun experience
- Panel dent removal and spot welding
- Paint mixing
- Automotive parts identification
- Virtual reality vehicle service and painting experiences
- Live hydraulics demonstration
- EV cinema experience
Adding to the excitement, the event featured live vehicle demonstrations, including classic cars, motorcycles, police cars, and fire trucks. These displays captivated attendees, while also highlighting the diverse range of vehicles that can be worked on.
CEO Darrell Jacobs took pride in the event and its impact on young people, noting, “We are reshaping perceptions of automotive careers for the better.”
“Opening our facilities and providing hands-on experiences helps showcase the wide range of fulfilling career options,” he added.
Annasophia Hamilton, VET/Career Pathways Coordinator at Urrbrae Agricultural High School, praised the event for its relevance. She said, “The students certainly enjoyed seeing the various types of vehicles they might work with in the future.”
She also noted, “The energetic workshop, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and apprentices actively training during our tour, provided a clear picture of what their apprenticeship experience could be like in trade school.”
Mark Valente, an automotive teacher at St Patrick’s Technical College, commented, “The event provided a comprehensive overview of the industry and allowed students to explore various trades to discover their passions. It was an excellent experience.”
The theme “VET is a gamechanger” for National Skills Week 2024, which followed a week later, has never been clearer. The MTA is proud to contribute to this message, demonstrating the crucial role of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in shaping the future workforce of the automotive industry.
“While skill shortages remain a challenge, events like the MTA Careers Day are instrumental in inspiring more young people to pursue automotive careers. We’ve already signed up several young people for automotive apprenticeships at the event and expect even more in the coming weeks and months,” said Mr. Jacobs said.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to seeing the next generation of automotive professionals begin their careers.
This event was proudly supported by our valued partners: Gates Corporation, Mas National, PPG Refinish Australia & New Zealand, Axalta – Australia and New Zealand, DeBeer Refinish, Painttech SA, Northeast Auto Group, Bunnings Warehouse Australia, CMI Toyota, Adelaide Harley-Davidson Bike Works, Repco Australia, Penrite Racing, National Motor Museum – Australia, Shannons, Spirit Super, and Dial A Tow Australia. Your support and dedication continue to drive the success of our initiatives and inspire future automotive talent.
A full gallery of photos can be viewed here: https://qrco.de/bfJrHu
A video of the event can be viewed here: https://qrco.de/bfK1n4
