The repair industry’s new alliance, aimed at solving the skills shortage, has wrapped up another capital city visit in its endeavours to hear the issues from the front line of repair.
The Australian Collision Industry Alliance, formed last May has now completed an information tour of every state centre, aiming to generate support and discuss how the industry can work together to tackle the skills shortage in Australia.
The South Australian event at the Motor Traders Association of South Australia recently concluded a nationwide tour of six capitals.
This is the sixth information evening held since the ACIA was set up to inform the industry of the alliance’s strategy to attract new talent into the industry and to encourage businesses to join.
ACIA board member Rob Bartlett outlined the aims of the not-for-profit group and how it will undertake to raise the profile of the industry with the public and to promote careers in collision repair.
“It was great to be able to share the vision for ACIA’s national approach to tackling our skills shortage,” Bartlett said.
“We’re still a young organisation with a way to go and lots to do. Together, as a collective, there is so much more we can achieve to address the biggest challenge to the sustainability of our industry.”
“I would like to thank MTA SA for hosting our information session and congratulate them on the great work they are doing with their apprentice training program.”
Dario Tonon from Eblen Crash Repairs attended the evening and joined the ACIA immediately.
“Any initiative to attract young people into the industry is welcome. As it becomes more technical it should appeal to younger people, we just have to get the message out there,” Tonon said.
The ACIA has 49 members to date from a cross-section of the industry and is growing with each event it hosts across Australia.
The national organisation formed by the industry for the industry has gained momentum since its inception including major sponsorship from Suncorp and the completion of major governance milestones, including establishing a board made up of industry representatives.
READ MORE: Opening up the vital career gateway to the future
It will hold its AGM on April 12.
For more information, join a working group or to become a member of the ACIA, email: info@theacia.com.au.