The South Australian automotive industry’s night of nights did not disappoint as guests celebrated in style, honouring the state’s leading apprentices, employers, trainers and supporters at the 2025 MTA Graduation and Awards.
More than 550 apprentices, employers, parents and supporters packed Morphettville’s Wolf Blass Event Centre on Friday 4 April, cementing it as one of Australia’s best apprentice graduation and awards events.
In 2025, close to 200 apprentices graduated from their automotive apprenticeships. The event also celebrated 49 finalists across 17 award categories.
Taking out top honours, Jacob Comley from Eagers Automotive, Eblen Subaru was crowned MTA Apprentice of the Year 2025. Imparting advice to peers in the audience, Jacob shared his experience about the journey of an apprentice, “There will be times where you will doubt yourself, but just stick with it, because everything will be worth it.”
During his keynote address amidst a busy election campaign, Federal Minister for Training and Skills Andrew Giles paid tribute to the critical role graduating apprentices and award finalists play “When you all work together, it is our nation that benefits.”
“Skills and training are the key to meeting the current and future challenges in our economy” Minister Giles added.
Joining the Federal Minister, South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer highlighted the importance of events such as the MTA Graduation and Awards, “Events like tonight are essential to showcase apprentices who are truly excellent in their field.”
Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) CEO Darrell Jacobs reflected on the evolution of the automotive industry, “Our industry is rapidly changing thanks to technology. The cars and trucks we drive and the machinery we operate will be different tomorrow.”
“Embrace it and you will have a lifelong career full of pride and passion” Mr Jacobs added.
Celebrating its 99th year, CEO Darrell Jacobs touched on achievements of MTA Training and Employment in 2025 including:
- 1,100 apprentices in training
- 450 apprentices employed by the MTA and hosted in industry
- Close to 100 commenced in Australia’s first automotive dual trade apprenticeships
- 100 schools visited exposing students to the automotive industry
Closing his remarks, Mr Jacobs asked apprentices in attendance to reflect on their achievements, “You wear the MTA brand just like many who have come before you – make us proud.”
