We are extremely excited to announce that a new formal training qualification pathway for automotive accessory fitters is now available!

The recently formalised qualification, AUR22021 -Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting, will be offered through the MTA Institute in Queensland as a government funded traineeship, available from late March. The AAAA was happy to support the MTAI with industry feedback and letters of support for funding, and we are pleased to be able to share their wonderful news with you.

This is an exciting and important development for the 4WD aftermarket sector and accessories industry more broadly; a segment which continues to thrive but is simultaneously suffering the effects of the industry wide skills shortage.

In 2016, recognising the challenge for the 4WD Industry and the lack of a formal training pathway specifically tailored to train the next generation of 4WD industry workers, the 4WD Industry Council commenced a project to address the issue head on.

Over a seven-year journey, the Council worked closely with members and engaged Kangan Institute to conduct a course pilot program which proved to be a resounding success. The momentum building in the industry was unstoppable at this point, leading to the establishment of a review and consultation project led by the Skills Service Organisation, Price Waterhouse Coopers. The AAAA actively participated in this project, alongside the MTAQ, other industry bodies, and several AAAA member businesses. This led to the development of a new, national qualification early in 2022 catering to accessories fitters, with new course content created specifically for the 4WD industry.

The final challenge in the journey was for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to develop the resources to be able to offer the new qualification. The AAAA assisted by providing data from our ‘Expression Of Interest’ survey, demonstrating the strong industry demand for the course.

We are delighted to congratulate the MTAI on becoming the first Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to offer AUR22021 -Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting, and hope to see RTOs in other states soon to follow.

“The new 4WD specific qualification for students is a fantastic accomplishment and will support the growth and sustainability of the 4WD industry,” said Nigel Bishop, 4WD Industry Council Convenor.

“I’d like to thank our members, the 4WD Industry Council for their tireless work, Kangan Institute, our pilot program students, MTA Institute Queensland and everyone involved who contributed to this important new industry training pathway.”.

For more information about the course, please read MTAI’s media release HERE