The future of South Australia’s collision repair industry looks brighter than ever as a record of more than 500 guests gathered on Friday to celebrate at the Motor Trade Association’s 2024 Automotive Awards and Graduation Ceremony.
The strength of collision repair was on display, with apprentice and industry representation across seven of the 15 award winners.
MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs praised the graduates and award winners, noting the importance of trade skills and continuous learning to keep pace with industry changes.
Mr Jacobs said, “The rapid growth of EVs and hybrids, which now make up a quarter of new car sales, shows the need for skilled apprentices. By equipping apprentices to work with the latest technology, skills and knowledge, we prepare them to become leaders in the industry.”
Noting the strong showing by the collision repair sector, Mr Jacobs added, “As the only training provider for collision repair apprenticeships in South Australia, the MTA is proud to see this vital sector flourishing.”
South Australian Minister for Education, Training, and Skills, Blair Boyer joined the ceremony to award graduate certificates.
He emphasised the importance of vocational education as pathways to rewarding and in demand careers, “The work that the MTA does and the jobs that are available in automotive are a fantastic example for young people.”
MTA Body Repair Division Chair Dario Tonon reflected on the importance of the industry addressing skill shortages through apprenticeship opportunities, “It’s always great to see a young person come into the workplace with curiosity and enthuse people around them.”
Mr Tonon added, “I’d love it if every person in my position had the same enthusiasm for young people because they are the next generation of the workforce.”
2024 Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Spirit Super
- Eli Moss, employed by Emmetts – Crystal Brook
Female Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Gates Corporation Australia
- Paige Cole, hosted at Eagers Automotive (Adelaide BMW)
Royal Park Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Capricorn Society
- Jesse Medina, employed by The Glynde Garage
Bordertown Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by myenergi
- Brody Noack, employed by Tatiara Truck and Trailers
Cleve Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by the District Cleve Council
- Ethan Chemello, hosted at Daves Mobile Auto Electrical
Most Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award
Sponsored by SYC
- Ashanyia Smith, hosted at North East Mitsubishi
Most Outstanding Second Year Apprentice Award
Sponsored by RAA Group
- James Scullen-Howe, hosted at Mt Pleasant Crash and Mechanical Repairs
Most Outstanding Third Year Apprentice Award
Sponsored by MAS National
- Ethan Lockwood, hosted at RMB Service Group
Most Outstanding School-based Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by St Patrick’s Technical College
- Shane Veale, hosted at Wakefield Trucks
VET in School Student of the Year
Sponsored by Motor Trade Association SA/NT
- Elly Brake, hosted at Eblen Collision Repair
VET Coordinator of the Year Award
Sponsored by Government of South Australia, Department for Education
- Jayne Shortt, St Patrick’s Technical College
Commitment to Safety Award
Sponsored by ADAS Solutions
- Paul Greeney, employed by Capital Smart Repairs Holden Hill
Industry Employer of the Year Award
Sponsored by DeBeer Refinish
- JVS Bodyworks
MTA Trainer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Stephen Richardson, Trainer
- Daniel Dusi, Team Leader
MTA SA/NT Host Employer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia
- Mt Pleasant Crash and Mechanical Repairs
MTA MEDIA CONTACT: Kaes Cillessen | M: 0400 811 632 | kcillessen@mtasant.com.au
