Students in the Fast Lane to a Career in Automotive

The automotive industry is a pathway into an exciting and secure future – that was the message the more than 400 students received at the MTA’s recent Open Days.

In June the Royal Park Training and Employment Centre played host to students from 38 South Australian schools where they were able to interact with and explore the wide range of opportunities currently available in the automotive industry.

New and emerging technologies grabbed their attention, while handson experiences with tools students had never picked up before sparked clear excitement. Central to this was highlighting the immediate positions available through the MTA’s Group Training Organisation. With 65 apprenticeships available at the time, students enjoyed learning about the scope of possibilities that awaited them across the breadth of the sector.

The 60 displays and interactive experiences not only appealed to the students but also some of our state’s most senior politicians. South Australian Deputy Premier, Susan Close and Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer attended the event. Both were keen to get hands on with the exhibitions and find out more about what the MTA is doing to promote the industry to young South Australians.

The Deputy Premier Susan Close said she loved how young people could get a first-hand insight into an exciting career.

“I think it’s wonderful that young people will be able to see that they can get jobs, they can have apprenticeships and they can have a future in this industry,” she said.

Deputy Premier Susan Close and Minister Blair Boyer at the MTA Open Day.

MTA CEO Paul Unerkov said with local businesses facing acute labour and skilled shortages, it was more important now than ever to attract the next generation of skilled technicians.

“It was great to have such a strong response from students and schools as we showcased the diverse and exciting careers available to them across the automotive industry.”

Some of the vehicles and activities on display at the MTA Open Days included:

• Three fully-electric vehicles, including: - an MG ZS EV - a Harley Davidson Livewire - an Audi e-Tron

• An autonomous bus

• Virtual Reality mechanical experience

• A Formula 1 pit stop tyre change challenge

• A remote-control car drift course.