AAAA’s Lesley Yates Appointed to National Automotive Skills Panel
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the appointment of its Director of Government Relations & Advocacy, Lesley Yates, to the Automotive Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel (SWAP) for the 2026–27 term — the key national body guiding future skills, training and workforce development across Australia’s automotive sector.
The appointment was announced by the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), which oversees the mining and automotive SWAPs and works closely with industry to ensure training products remain relevant and responsive. AUSMASA Chief Executive Officer Dr Gavin Lind said the organisation had been overwhelmed by the high calibre of expressions of interest from across the automotive and mining industries.
“It’s gratifying to see such a strong endorsement of AUSMASA’s work from our stakeholders, and a shared desire to shape the future workforce and skills required in the mining and automotive sectors,” Dr Lind said. “By actively involving industry representatives in our SWAPs, our training products can be more flexible and responsive to employers’ evolving needs, ensuring learners enter industry with relevant and future-ready capability.”
AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said Lesley’s appointment underscores AAAA’s commitment to staying closely involved in national workforce and training discussions that directly shape the future of our industry
“As technology, diagnostics and vehicle platforms evolve at unmatched pace, it’s vital that the independent aftermarket is represented in the forums shaping tomorrow’s workforce,” Mr Charity said. “Lesley brings deep policy expertise and practical industry understanding. Her appointment ensures the voice of independent repairers and suppliers remains strongly present in national training and workforce planning.”
For AAAA, participation in the Automotive SWAP aligns with the Association’s broader advocacy across skills shortages, EV and ADAS capability and right to repair. With Australia facing a projected shortfall of 40,000 technicians by 2030, AAAA continues working with government, regulators and training bodies to ensure pathways remain modern, attractive and industry-driven.
“Being at the table matters,” Ms Yates said. “This panel will help ensure Australia’s automotive workforce is equipped for the realities of modern service and repair — from advanced driver systems to electric vehicles. I’m looking forward to contributing on behalf of the aftermarket.”
The 14-member Automotive SWAP begins its new term on 1 December 2025.