Skills Shortage in Australia’s Automotive Workshops: The True Extent Revealed

How can the automotive industry address the skills shortage and ensure the safety of customers and staff?

A recent survey conducted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and research partner Fifth Quadrant has shed light on the alarming skills shortage in Australia’s automotive workshops. The study reveals that the shortage is not only a matter of numbers, but also sourcing staff with the right aptitude and attitude to maintain modern vehicles to a high standard. The results indicate that one in every two workshops has lost a skilled technician in the past year, and nearly half of the workshops are currently hiring. The shortage equates to more than 40,000 workers across the industry, putting pressure on workshops to retain staff and attract new apprentices.

The survey conducted by AAAA and Fifth Quadrant highlights the concerning skills shortage in Australia’s automotive workshops. Workshop managers across the country have reported losing skilled technicians and struggling to hire staff with the necessary aptitude and attitude. The shortage is not just a matter of numbers, but also finding qualified individuals who can maintain modern vehicles to a high standard.

According to the survey, nearly half of the workshops interviewed are currently hiring, with 31% of them specifically seeking master technicians. This shortage amounts to over 40,000 workers in the automotive service and repair industry, meaning every workshop in the country is short at least one technician and one or two apprentices.

The AAAA has identified that approximately 27,000 positions require the employment of a qualified technician, while around 13,500 roles would be suitable for an apprentice. However, apprentice turnover and vacancy levels are higher than ever before, with 22% of workshops reporting the loss of an apprentice in the past year and 29% currently seeking to hire at least one apprentice.

Lesley Yates, AAAA’s director of government relations and advocacy, states that the skills shortage is the industry’s most pressing issue. The increasing number of automotive workshops in the country has further decreased the overall labor pool, intensifying the pressure on workshops to retain trained staff and attract new apprentices.

• One in every two workshops has lost a skilled technician in the past year
• 47% of workshops are currently hiring
• The shortage equates to over 40,000 workers in the industry
• Industry struggles to retain staff and attract new apprentices

The skills shortage in Australia’s automotive workshops is a significant challenge for the industry. With the loss of skilled technicians and the struggle to find qualified staff, workshops face difficulties in maintaining high standards and customer satisfaction. The shortage of technicians and apprentices puts pressure on the entire industry, necessitating urgent action to address the issue and ensure the safety and efficiency of automotive service and repair.