The MTA Institute is the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships in Queensland, and in the past 18 months has grown substantially, now delivering face-to-face, in-the-workshop training to more than 2200 students across the state in all automotive sectors – from light vehicle to heavy commercial, from auto electrical to parts interpreting, from motorcycle mechanical to mobile plant.
From Queensland’s remote regional areas to its major urban centres, the delivery of this training is the task of the Institute’s highly qualified and experienced trainers who, given the vast size of the state, work semi-independently, successfully delivering training using state-of-the-art digital technology hardware and software with support from the Institute’s staff based in Brisbane.
Towards the end of each year, the Institute brings the trainers together to its Brisbane headquarters for a two-day conference to discuss industry advances, compare experiences, attend professional development seminars across a range of areas, and even learn more personal skills in areas such as nutrition.
For 2021, these workshops and seminars covered topics that included the latest in training delivery, digital solutions, and business development. Also on the agenda, and with a nod to the advancements and direction that the automotive industry is taking, were sessions on battery technology delivered by John Kilby, Training Manager for Century Yuasa Batteries, and a presentation by Phil Austin, Training Manager Pacific, from Tesla.
The annual trainers’ conference, which this time was delivered partly in-person and, as is common in the COVID-era, partly through virtual sessions, is vital in enabling the MTA Institute to remain at the forefront of industry-leading, innovative, automotive training.
“Trainer meetings are great for team spirit, bonding, cementing the culture of the Institute and are a great learning experience for everyone, especially the newer trainers,” said Scott Gehrke, MTA Institute Operations Manager.
“The conference also brings the trainers, management, and the administration team together, and enables the trainers to not only catch up and discuss training ideas, network, and have a laugh – which is important – but take part in important professional development sessions, including sessions led by experienced trainers to help assist them peers with aspects of teaching, planning, problem solving, administration, and training qualification compliance.
“As for the changes in the industry, we know that the areas of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery technology are moving quickly. The MTA Institute recognises this and we now offer more battery electric vehicle and hybrid courses than ever before and have even introduced a training day for apprentices. So, the Tesla and Century Yuasa Batteries virtual meetings were important as they shared their view of the future of the industry in these areas.”
TRAINER OF THE YEAR 2021
Don Lerm, Trainer of the Year 2021
A highlight of the annual conference is the announcement of the Trainer of the Year award recipient, and this year the award was presented to Technical Trainer Don Lerm, who delivers automotive training across many sectors – except heavy and small engine – to around 55 apprentices and trainees across the Sunshine Coast from Landsborough to Cooroy and the hinterland.
Having started his own apprenticeship in 1970 in Victoria and done stints as a mechanic, foreman and manager at three major dealerships in Victoria and Queensland, Don has an immense amount of experience. However, becoming a trainer was something he realised he wanted to do relatively early in his career, and when the chance presented itself, he joined MTA Institute more than 16 years ago.
He was, he said, very pleased to have been chosen as Trainer of the Year.
“It was a huge surprise as I know all the trainers work hard, but I feel proud to be picked as Trainer of the Year and proud also of the job that we do,” he said.
That job, of course, involves training students one-on-one at the place of their employment. It’s a stye of training that the MTA Institute has pioneered, one for which it has become renowned, and one which is, as the ever-increasing numbers of students would seem to prove, having positive results. That, said Don, was important as the industry continues to change and embrace new technologies, as is having a real passion for, and thorough understanding of your work.
“The industry is going through huge change and working in the motor trades is not just a job – both employee and apprentice have to be the best at what they do,” said Don. “Apprentices have to be able to look outside the box and, as I tell my students for example, not just throw away a part, but be able to pull it apart and find why it did not work. Things are changing every day and training has never been more important.”
Don is, said Scott Gehrke, a much-respected trainer and colleague, delivering exceptional service to his students and their employers.
“Don has consistently shown how passionate he is about apprentice training and assessment,” he said. “He wants the best for his students, and employers want him to deliver that training. And the proof of his ability is in that Don was nominated for this award back in 2015 as well. He is meticulous in what he does, from a training perspective to administration and compliance.”
THE YEAR AHEAD
2021 was a challenging but successful year for the MTA Institute and MTA Queensland, with very solid growth in apprentice student numbers, the development and launch of new courses and programs, as well as the introduction of new AUR qualification standards.
Heading into 2022, the excellent work of the past 12 months will continue said Scott, with more trainers due to join the Institute team and more utilisation of digital and virtual systems to streamline the training and administrative process. As Queensland, and the nation, grapples with the Omicron COVID-19 outbreak, such forward planning will prove to be invaluable.
“While there was some emphasis on offering virtual training sessions during 2021, it was an option last year that we rarely had to use,” said Scott. “While the Omicron outbreak may prove to be a challenge, we will ensure we continue to offer a professional service to apprentices and the workshops employing them. This may require more of a focus on using virtual means, but whatever happens, the service we deliver will be of the highest quality and the safety of our staff, students and their employers will be paramount.
“The MTA Institute is always looking to support the automotive industry with training courses that reflect the industry’s changing nature and we do so, for example, through courses that cover ADAS, HEV and EV technology. We will continue that work and ensure that the Institute remains a provider of world-leading automotive training.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2022)
11 February 2022
