Automotive industry in South Australia has interests, standards, skills driven by Motor Trade Association
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) of South Australia/Northern Territory started its strong group training scheme in 1983.
Started in 1926 as the Garage Proprietors & Petrol Retailers Association of South Australia, the Motor Trade Association (MTA) of South Australia/Northern Territory new branding in 1986 reflected the scale of an automotive sector worth almost $3 billion to the economy and provides direct jobs to 33,000 South Australians and Territorians.
The association’s aim was to protect the automotive retail, service and repair areas. With more than 1,200 members, the MTA was their source for work health and safety, industry relations, government advocacy, training and employment and industry information. Members were expected to abide by a strict customer promise to ensure they are trusted professionals in the industry.
In 1983, the MTA set up the group training scheme to provide training and employment services to the industry and opportunities to young people looking for a career in the automotive trades. It trained more than 900 apprentices every year at its advanced training centre at Royal Park, Adelaide, with regional centres in Wayville, Strathalbyn, Cleve and Bordertown.
As the South Australian automotive industry’s biggest training and jobs provider, the MTA offered apprenticeships in light vehicle, diesel, agricultural mobile plant, heavy commercial and motorcycle mechanic technicians and panel beating, vehicle painting, auto parts sales and automotive electricians. Its quality industry-developed training was modern and responsive to industry needs in pre employment, apprentice training and upskilling industry and employees.
The advanced training centre at Royal Park had specialised features including a 10-bay welding area, paint shop, a 15-metre truck pit, eight overhead vehicle hoists, an all-wheel-drive dynamometer, a four-bay drivein to repair and maintain semis and b-double trailers, additional training areas from expanding post-trade training including hybrid and electrical vehicles. All materials, resources and training aids were up with the latest advances in technology.
