The ATA’s Industry Technical Council (ITC) is supporting a proposal to establish a national trailer and chassis maintenance apprenticeship scheme with the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC). ITC member, Val Gomez from the Silk Logistics Group has spent more than 15 years working to get a program set up in Victoria to train trailer mechanics and said there was now a need for it to be recognised formally as an apprenticeship.
“Twenty years ago we had rusty old trailers, but these days trailer technology is advancing very quickly,” Gomez said. “Modern trailers usually have a raft of advanced components such as ABS, EBS, advanced suspensions and disc brakes. The industry is calling out for a formal qualification for trailer and chassis mechanics that can supply the industry with staff fully trained in the new technology.
“At the moment, it’s hard to find people to work on trailers. By giving them an apprenticeship we set them up with a career path, and it will assist the industry in finding qualified people to ensure our trailers are in top condition. Right now we need fleet managers who would like to see this to become a nationally recognised apprenticeship to write to the VACC and show their support. This program will only become accredited if we can show the industry is behind it.”