As of the 31st January 2021, the number of apprentices and trainees currently in training throughout Queensland stands at 6625. This number covers all the following qualifications:

Apprenticeships

• Certificate III in Bicycle Workshop Operations
• Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
• Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
• Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Sales
• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Engine Reconditioning
• Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Drivetrain Technology
• Certificate III in Forklift Technology
• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology
• Certificate III in Elevating Work Platform Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Glazing Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology

Traineeships

• Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology
• Certificate II in Bicycle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology
• Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
• Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology
• Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology
• Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology
• Certificate III in Automotive Sales

This is a very impressive reach and can only be achieved through businesses looking at their workforce and giving them opportunity to have a go. What I’ve seen over the last few months is an increase in numbers and confidence to put on an apprentice or trainee. I know the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) has certainly helped make the decision-making process a little easier with the wage subsidy providing up to 50 per cent of Australian Apprentice’s gross wage paid, with a maximum $7,000 per quarter per eligible Australian Apprentice. The wage is paid over the 12-month period from date of commencement or recommencement and it’s for Australian apprentices commencing or recommencing between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021. We are certainly seeing the increased uptake of apprentices and trainees due to this initiative.

When finishing an apprenticeship, it certainly can take you many places and I had the chance to speak to a previous apprentice – now tradesperson (or should I say “Journeyman”) – Elliot Lemmon, who is working at BMW Vancouver. Elliot was the recipient of the Queensland Oversea Foundation Automotive Scholarship in 2019 and has taken his trade and applied it internationally. It was great to talk to Elliot and see what he’s been up to – he has already purchased and used four cars in a little over 12 months! It was interesting to hear the local tales. He has to stay put at the moment due to COVID, but is planning a big road trip once restrictions are lifted. It was a great reminder of where a trade in the automotive industry can take you.

We’ve also just announced the MTA Queensland VET scholarship winner, and it is Wayne Herring from Cricks. His enthusiasm about sharing his wealth of industry knowledge to anyone in, or out of, the automotive industry was contagious. Congratulations to Wayne and all the best with your study.