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VACC Auto-apprentice stand at Careers Expo 2009
VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, says the recent Careers Expo was a positive experience.
VACC is the largest employer of Automotive Apprentices in Victoria and, this year, VACC manned its biggest ever stand at the three day event at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Hundreds of school leavers took the opportunity to visit the display which included a V8 Supercar and a modified Celica street car, compliments of Autosalon Magazine.
While the vehicles helped draw a crowd, it was the prospect of future employment in the Australian Automotive Industry that proved to be the hot topic.
“The Automotive Industry is a fantastic career opportunity and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of genuine enquiries,” VACC Auto Apprentice Team Leader, Rob Walker, said.
“Maybe the effects of the global financial slowdown have made pupils focus on the importance of finding a decent job. But for whatever reason, this year it was evident that school leavers are taking their careers as seriously as we are.
“What was interesting to hear from the Years 10-12, teachers and parents was that the Automotive Industry is considered to be dynamic and exciting. According to the feedback we received, the Automotive Industry is recognised as hi-tech and that it provides employment opportunities for the computer savvy. This could also explain why there was a noticeable increase in the number of females who came forward to ask about a career in the Auto Industry,” Mr Walker said.
“Like every sector, Automotive has been hit by the global slowdown. But despite this, the industry continues to offer many career path opportunities. VACC recognises the importance of investing in future skills development and we remain committed to training and apprentices,” VACC General Manager, IR, OHS and Training, Leyla Yilmaz said.
“VACC is well placed to help apprentices find a career in the Automotive Industry. We have nearly 500 current Apprentices with host employers. If you are considering a career as an Auto-Apprentice, why not contact us to find out more about it,” Ms Yilmaz said.