The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), in collaboration with Deloitte Access Economics, has released findings from its 2024 Skills Priority List stakeholder survey. The report sheds light on the ongoing skills shortages across the Australian automotive industry, with a particular focus on critical roles such as automotive service technicians.
Australia’s labour market remains tight, with 36% of occupations classified as in shortage, according to Job and Skills Australia's (JSA) 2023 Skills Priority List. For the automotive industry, the situation is even more pressing. Out of 26 key automotive occupations, 35% were found to be in shortage, highlighting the urgent need for qualified professionals such as automotive service technicians.
The survey conducted by Deloitte Access Economics gathered insights from over 500 automotive businesses nationwide, representing more than 2% of the industry's workforce. The findings paint a grim picture: of the more than 2,000 vacancies advertised in 2023, fewer than 800 were filled, leading to an industry-wide vacancy fill rate of just 39%. This severe shortage was most acute in regional areas, where vacancies for automotive service technicians were especially hard to fill.
One of the primary reasons for unfilled vacancies was a lack of applicants, with businesses receiving an average of just 8.2 applications per vacancy. This is significantly lower than the national average of 17.7 applications per position. Among the occupations facing the most severe shortages, automotive service technicians and other trade workers were highlighted as particularly difficult to recruit.
The report also pointed to several factors exacerbating the skills shortage, including inadequate training pipelines, visa challenges, and competition from other industries. Many MTAA members expressed concern over the low numbers of skilled workers entering the automotive profession, especially in critical roles like automotive service technicians. Employers called for greater government support to address the chronic underinvestment in technician and trade roles.
A notable finding from the survey was the emergence of electric vehicle technicians as an occupation in high demand, with a fill rate of just 41%. Similarly, apprenticeships in mechanics and office support roles also showed considerable shortages, with fill rates of 63% and 38% respectively.
The shortage of automotive service technicians and related roles is not just a short-term issue but a long-term challenge for the industry. As electric vehicle technology advances and more complex servicing is required, the demand for skilled automotive service technicians is expected to grow even further. Without addressing the current shortages, the industry faces significant disruption, potentially affecting service delivery, business growth, and Australia’s transition to a more sustainable automotive future.
In conclusion, the MTAA report underscores the pressing need for a renewed focus on training, development, and recruitment strategies to ensure a sustainable workforce. The role of automotive service technicians will be pivotal in ensuring that the automotive industry can continue to meet consumer demand and support the country’s growing transport infrastructure. As the automotive sector evolves, filling these critical vacancies must become a top priority for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
The report also pointed to several factors exacerbating the skills shortage, including inadequate training pipelines, visa challenges, and competition from other industries. Many MTAA members expressed concern over the low numbers of skilled workers entering the automotive profession, especially in critical roles like automotive service technicians. Employers called for greater government support to address the chronic underinvestment in technician and trade roles.
A notable finding from the survey was the emergence of electric vehicle technicians as an occupation in high demand, with a fill rate of just 41%. Similarly, apprenticeships in mechanics and office support roles also showed considerable shortages, with fill rates of 63% and 38% respectively.
The shortage of automotive service technicians and related roles is not just a short-term issue but a long-term challenge for the industry. As electric vehicle technology advances and more complex servicing is required, the demand for skilled automotive service technicians is expected to grow even further. Without addressing the current shortages, the industry faces significant disruption, potentially affecting service delivery, business growth, and Australia’s transition to a more sustainable automotive future.
In conclusion, the MTAA report underscores the pressing need for a renewed focus on training, development, and recruitment strategies to ensure a sustainable workforce. The role of automotive service technicians will be pivotal in ensuring that the automotive industry can continue to meet consumer demand and support the country’s growing transport infrastructure. As the automotive sector evolves, filling these critical vacancies must become a top priority for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
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