One of the region's leading trucking figures has welcomed a new TAFE NSW course aimed at bolstering apprentice mechanic numbers, saying a skills shortage was "suffocating" the industry.
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Nowra Truck and Tractor's Mittagong owner Ron Arthur, who is a 40-year veteran of the industry, said the new Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation at TAFE NSW Moss Vale could help fill the crippling skills gap in regional areas.
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According to the industry's peak body, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), more than 40 per cent of mechanics were over 50 years old. About a third of service and repair workshops are turning away customers because they don't have enough staff to meet demand.
The AAAA figures revealed a national shortage of 27,377 skilled positions in the automotive industry - the highest ever recorded - forecast to rise to more than 35,000 over the next few years.
"We're certainly being forced to turn away a lot of repair work because we can't get skilled tradespeople," Mr Arthur said.
"These courses are a huge positive if they can find kids who want to be part of the industry.
"Being a mechanic can be a challenging job but it's very stable work and can be rewarding financially long-term."
The six-week course acts as a "taster" for aspiring mechanics and is a potential pathway to an apprenticeship, according to TAFE NSW Team Leader Automotive Dan Severino.
"This is about creating opportunities for young people to become familiar with a workshop setting, the tools used and safety protocols," Mr Severino said.
"TAFE NSW works closely with industry to identify and address skills gaps and I applaud Mr Arthur for his advocacy work in lobbying for courses such as this."
To find out more about enrolling in the Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
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