AAAA Calls For Training Reform To Tackle Persistent Technician Shortages
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is calling for stronger apprenticeship pathways and targeted training to address persistent automotive skills shortages, as new research identifies training as the main driver of shortages among automotive technicians.
Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2026 Occupation Shortage List, released on 21 October, found almost half of technician and trade occupations remain in shortage, despite improvements across the broader labour market.
The findings also highlight the persistence of the challenge: 127 occupations have remained in continuous shortage since 2021, with technicians, tradespeople and professionals accounting for 90% of that group.
AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, said the findings reinforced the need to strengthen the automotive training pipeline.
“The shortage of automotive technicians isn’t simply a matter of employers struggling to recruit. We have a more fundamental challenge in developing a sufficient supply of appropriately trained workers,” said Lesley.
“If the principal problem is the training pipeline, we need to focus on attracting people into automotive apprenticeships, supporting them to complete their training, and ensuring our vocational education system has the capacity to deliver the skills our industry needs.”
Separate Jobs and Skills Australia research released in February 2026 estimated 40,100 vacancies across automotive and engineering trades in the November 2025 quarter, nearly 50% more than the 26,900 jobs advertised online.
“Many independent workshops recruit through word of mouth and industry contacts. Relying on online advertisements alone risks underestimating demand for skilled tradespeople,” said Lesley.
These pressures coincide with rapidly changing vehicle technology. Alongside mechanical expertise, technicians increasingly need capabilities in electronics, advanced diagnostics, vehicle software, programming, high-voltage systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
“We need an apprenticeship system that prepares people for the vehicles they will be working on, not just those we have traditionally serviced,” said Lesley.
“But equally importantly, we have a highly experienced existing workforce whose skills and knowledge are enormously valuable. We need to make it easier for those technicians to acquire additional capabilities as technology evolves.”
The AAAA said training providers also needed appropriately qualified trainers, contemporary vehicles, diagnostic equipment and technical information to deliver relevant training. This requires investment in both new entrants and experienced technicians.
“Training needs to be matched to the work being performed. Not every technician needs to become a high-voltage battery specialist,” said Lesley.
“We need clear pathways that allow technicians to progressively build their skills without creating unnecessary barriers to work they are already competent to perform.
“Adding new qualification requirements without considering training capacity or recognising existing competencies risks making an already difficult workforce situation worse.”
The AAAA welcomed the research as an evidence base for coordinated action by industry, governments and training organisations.
“The objective shouldn’t simply be more qualifications. It should be more capable, confident and appropriately skilled people working in our industry,” said Lesley.
“That is how we build a sustainable automotive workforce and ensure Australian motorists continue to have access to affordable, professional vehicle servicing and repair.”
Research referenced:
Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List and Occupation Shortage Drivers, released 21 October 2026.
https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortage
Jobs and Skills Australia, New vacancy data uncovers hidden labour demand, released 25 February 2026.
https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/news/new-vacancy-data-uncovers-hidden-labour-demand