The Repair Industry advocacy body tasked with addressing the skills shortage has been given a boost with the support of its first insurance partner.
One of the biggest players in the Australian automotive insurance field, Suncorp Group has thrown its support behind the Australian Collision Industry Alliance to help combat the skills shortage and ageing workforce of the motor repair industry.
The two-year sponsorship deal follows the launch of the group last year and following a nationwide tour, the gradual building of members across the industry.
Suncorp’s EGM Motor Claims Customers Luke Whenman says it was an important partnership.
“This is an excellent step forward for the repair industry, recognising the significance of investing in developing current and future talent,” Mr Whenman says.
“I’m proud that Suncorp can partner with ACIA to ensure the delivery of exceptional repair outcomes for our customers.”
ACIA Board member and Regional Vice President Australia, Asia, NZ Fix Network Stuart Faid, says the partnership would help support and tackle the mounting skills shortage crisis the industry is facing.
“It’s great to see one of Australia’s major insurers getting behind the industry through this commitment to the ACIA,” Mr Faid says.
“It is a testament to their commitment to the long-term sustainability of the industry that Suncorp is the first insurer to become an “Industry Partner” of the ACIA.
“Suncorp joins a diverse range of stakeholders across the entire supply chain, from parts companies, equipment suppliers, paint companies, right through to the repairers themselves, creating a truly diverse membership, focused on the complex task of building increased community awareness of the array of careers available in collision.”