HVIA and workforce development partner The Industry School last week unveiled plans to establish a pilot Automotive Academy in Queensland which, if successful, will quickly expand into a second interstate campus in Victoria.
For several years HVIA has partnered with the school (formerly Australian Industry Trade College) on attracting school-based apprentices into the heavy vehicle industry.
Under plans announced last week at HVIA’s Executive Club held in Melbourne, the partnership will reach a new level with the planned Automotive Academy targeting senior school-aged young people (years 10-12) and will ensure not only do they complete Year 12 but also fast-track an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.
In announcing the initiative, incoming CEO of The Industry School Lee Smith, pictured above, focused on its deliberately different approach to learning: “Our young people are moulded with a concerted effort to character, technical intelligence, safety and real-world learning, where their time in school is matched with 28 weeks in industry per year,” he says.
“Our core promise is that we will connect young people with opportunities with industry, and industry with great young people.
“The Industry School has grown year on year and now has 1,300 students across six campuses and four existing academies.
“Our success of a 98 per cent Queensland Certificate of Education completion rate, and 96 per cent successful employment, enables us to extend our offering and grow.”
“Our partnership with HVIA and the broader automotive industry will be key to get this Automotive Academy up and running.”
HVIA Vice Chairman Miles Crawford says that the industry experience during COVID-19 should never be repeated, telling the audience: “The time to invest in skills is now. We must grow our pipeline of young people who want to join our industry,” he says.
Members are encouraged to reach out to Michael Rose, HVIA’s new Skills, Training and Workforce Development Manager, should they wish to learn more about the opportunity. He can be reached at m.rose@hvia.asn.au.