New Partnership Fuels Expertise and Drives Workforce
Media Release by The Industry School
Several of Queensland’s major industry associations have partnered with an independent school to launch a new Automotive Academy in response to key workforce challenges.
The Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA), the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) announced the launch of a specialist academy with The Industry School today.
This initiative – the first of its kind in Queensland – aims to ignite interest amongst young people, build practical skills, and inspire pathways in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
“HVIA is delighted to extend its existing relationship with The Industry School and looks forward to the opening of the Automotive Academy. The heavy vehicle industry needs an additional, sustainable, energetic pipeline of apprentices and targeting school-based learners is an exciting opportunity for the industry,” HVIA CEO, Todd Hacking says.
This Academy addresses key skills gaps and drives workforce growth. “MTAQ has identified that addressing skills and labour shortages is the number one issue facing the industry today. Creating pathways for students into automotive careers that The Industry School has developed is a critical feature of the automotive industry’s workforce development strategy,” MTAQ CEO, Rod Camm says.
Designed for senior secondary students (Years 70-72), the specialist automotive program blends classroom learning at The Industry School with immersive hands-on training with strategic partner TAFE Queensland, and unmatched work experience and employment opportunities designed especially for a career in the automotive industry.
Starting in January 2026, students will earn a Certificate II in Automotive and engage in industry immersive experiences spanning light vehicle, heavy vehicle, and the automotive aftermarket.
Lee Smith, CEO of The Industry School says an integrative approach to industry education fosters technical talent, character and employability. “Our students spend up to 28 weeks per year in industry, balancing academic and vocational education, work experience and an apprenticeship, driven by real-world exposure. It all starts by partnering with industry associations like the HVIA, AAAA and MTAQ”.
The Automotive Academy will strengthen a critical pipeline of educated, skilled technicians in South East Queensland, countering workforce shortages, industry perceptions and technology advancements.
The AAAA said the Automotive Academy is a fantastic initiative with an innovative approach to secondary school trade pathways. “It’s no secret the automotive industry is in the midst of a skills shortage. As it stands, we need a further 73,500 apprentices just to meet our current needs and with 3,300 new workshops opening in past 5 years, the demand is certain to grow well into the future. New strategies and partnerships are necessary if we are to meet the challenges before us, and we are extremely proud to be supporting the Automotive Academy, helping to kickstart careers for the next generation of technicians as we move towards a more sustainable automotive workforce.”
Whether tuning a small engine, inspecting a truck’s driveline, or customising performance upgrades, Academy graduates will thrive in a range of automotive careers.
The first students for the Automotive Academy will start in Term l of the 2026 school year. Initial enrolments will launch through The Industry School’s Ipswich campus, with plans to expand across additional campuses in South East Queensland.