The future of South Australia’s collision repair industry looks brighter than ever as a record of more than 500 guests celebrated the Motor Trade Association’s (MTA) 2024 Automotive Awards and Graduation Ceremony.
The strength of collision repair was on display, with apprentice and industry representation across seven of the 16 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.
“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,” Jacobs says.
“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.
“The work that the MTA does and the jobs that are available in automotive are a fantastic example for young people,” Boyer says.
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,” Tonon says.
“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
Royal Park Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award. Sponsored by Capricorn Society.
- Jesse Medina, employed by The Glynde Garage (4th year AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology apprentice).
Bob Goldsworthy Award. Sponsored by PPG Industries.
- Lachlan Brown, employed by JVS Bodyworks (3rd year AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology apprentice).
VET in School Student of the Year. Sponsored by Motor Trade Association SA/NT.
- Elly Brake, hosted at Eblen Collision Repair.
Commitment to Safety Award. Sponsored by ADAS Solutions.
- Paul Greeney, employed by Capital Smart Repairs Holden Hill (2nd year AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology apprentice).
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.
Most Outstanding Second Year Apprentice Award. Sponsored by RAA Group.
- James Scullen-Howe, hosted at Mt Pleasant Crash and Mechanical Repairs.