The Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) has enjoyed success at recent careers expos held in Queensland and WA. The ACIA stands generated a lot of interest and have resulted in a number of potential apprentices.
Wes Jenkins of Willmot Smash Repair Specialists in Cairns was one of the ACIA members on the stand at his local career’s expo.
“We had six people interested and I gave my personal number to two. I was thrilled when they rang me. One young man did a week’s trial and was interested in being a panelbeater but unfortunately said it was not for him. Jaz is finishing off another TAFE course but is working one day a week for us in the paint shop and loves it, she’s doing great,” he said.
“What was clear from that day is that collision repair is so far off everyone’s radar that many people didn’t even know what it was. We need to keep getting the message out into the community. There was another lad who was interested but his father didn’t want him to go into the industry – he no doubt holds outdated ideas on working conditions and opportunities.
Potential refinish technician Jaz Martin, 21, said: “My brother got his car fixed up a while ago and I was so impressed by the transformation. When I saw the ACIA stand it was a lightbulb moment. I like art and spray painting is really satisfying. It’s a good job, a good career.”
If you would like to join or find out more about ACIA visit the website for more information and become part of the solution to future-proof the industry.