THE Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) has opened nominations for the second round of its of VET Automotive Tradie Scholarship, in which one female and one male candidate will win a fully funded TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course worth more than $2500.

Delivered by an approved registered training organisation, the course is open to all Queensland-based, trade-qualified automotive professionals with at least five years’ post-apprenticeship experience in the light vehicle, heavy vehicle, auto electrical, motorcycle, mobile plant, agricultural, parts interpreting, outdoor power equipment, automotive body repair and refinishing or underbody fields.

General manager of MTAQ’s MTA Institute training arm, Paul Kulpa, said there had been strong interest in the first round of nominations and that the organisation was excited to be able to offer the opportunity again.

“The MTA Institute is committed to addressing the skills shortage that exists across the Queensland automotive trade, and this includes ensuring the industry has adequate access to skilled trainers to train the next generation of automotive professionals,” he said.

Nominations will close on September 1 before the winners are announced a month later on October 1.

Wayne Herring was a recipient of the last round – announced April 1 – and said at the time that he was eager to begin his scholarship.

“Becoming an automotive trainer has always been a goal of mine. I feel really fortunate to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I am always trying to improve myself, and I look forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with others.”

Mr Herring has 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry and holds multiple trade qualifications and manufacturer-specific training certificates.

He was previously selected as one of six technicians in Australia to compete at the domestic level of Kia’s annual Skills Cup.

The VET Trainer Scholarship was launched in late 2020.

By Callum Hunter