MORE than 1000 automotive apprentices are in training thanks to the Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory’s new training initiative, a milestone announced in front of a record 400+ guests at the organisation’s 2023 Automotive Awards and Graduation Ceremony where Samuel White was named Apprentice of the Year.

The MTA of SA/NT training initiative combines focused and intensive classroom learning with real-world workshop assessment in a business, connecting apprentices with the latest technology and techniques used by industry.

South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer attended the Automotive Awards and Graduation Ceremony, held at the Adelaide Oval making the milestone announcement alongside MTA of SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs who instigated the training initiative in January 2023 in conjunction with MTA of SA/NT general manager of apprenticeships, Jodi Ryan.

Minister Boyer helped present the graduation parchments and reinforced the importance of vocational learning.

“Our young people need to know there are a range of options available to them after school, not just university as a pathway,” he said.

“Congratulations to the MTA for having more than 1000 people in training for the first time in its history which shows how well it does in training apprentices in South Australia.”

Apprentice of the Year Samuel White took the stage to thank his family, friends, employer Detrac Diesel and the MTA for their guidance over his apprenticeship and said how he looked forward to working on the latest vehicles with the latest technology.

The awards were assessed against several criteria, including workshop and training performance, customer service and the apprentice’s role in the community.

As part of the MTA’s training initiative, new apprentices also now receive accredited electric vehicle qualifications to prepare for the electrification transition the automotive industry now faces.

The training initiative has the added benefit of assisting South Australian and Northern Territory automotive businesses at a time when they are dealing with acute labour shortages, by giving back more apprentice time and increasing productivity.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role at the MTA is spending time with apprentices and talking about what’s important to them,” Mr Jacobs said.

“We are continually improving and updating our courses to best suit the needs of industry and the apprentices they employ.

“Apprentices have the benefit of earning while they are learning and receive ongoing support to fuel their professional growth, including across a range of cutting-edge technology.

“With an increase of more than 120 apprentices in just its first four months, the MTA’s new integrated training model has proved to be a game changer.”

By Peter Barnwell