2026: The year automotive training takes centre stage
As the industry transforms, new facilities, expanded programmes and growing apprentice numbers signal a pivotal moment for workforce development.
If there's one theme that will define 2026 for the automotive industry, it's this: training is no longer just important—it's absolutely critical. As Australian roads continue their rapid transformation towards hybrids and electric vehicles, the gap between the skills we have and the skills we need has never been more apparent. The good news? This year promises to deliver the infrastructure, programmes and opportunities to bridge that gap.
For members, 2026 marks a significant milestone with the chamber's new dedicated training facility coming into its own. This purpose-built space represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's a tangible commitment to ensuring our industry can meet tomorrow's challenges. The facility provides a crucial opportunity for members to upskill their teams, offering hands-on training environments that reflect the evolving technology landscape of modern workshops. Whether you're looking to refresh your technicians' knowledge or dive deep into new EV and hybrid systems, having this dedicated resource at our disposal changes the game.
Electric vehicle training will take on particular urgency this year as the industry prepares for the VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Testing rules to take full effect. The regulatory landscape is tightening, and workshops that haven't yet invested in EV capability need to get their teams up to speed. The VACC training facility will ramp up its EV-focused courses throughout the year, ensuring members can meet compliance requirements whilst building genuine expertise in this rapidly expanding field.
Down in Tasmania, the industry will celebrate another major infrastructure win with the official opening of the TasTafe brand-new automotive training centre early in the year. This purpose-built facility represents a significant investment in the island state's automotive future, providing a modern home for new apprentices whilst offering comprehensive training opportunities for the future workforce. The centre isn't resting on its laurels either—2026 will see the rollout of new, purpose-driven training courses designed to address specific industry gaps and emerging technology requirements.
Perhaps most encouraging of all, VACC and TACC will be strategically increasing their apprentice numbers. This expansion of the apprenticeship programme directly addresses one of the industry's most persistent challenges: building a sustainable labour pipeline. With experienced technicians ageing and the technical demands of modern vehicles escalating, we must bring more young people into the trade and give them world-class training.
This is where individual workshops come in. As VACC grows its apprentice numbers, the chamber is actively encouraging members to take on apprentices themselves. Yes, there's an upfront investment of time and resources, but the dividends can be enormous. An apprentice who learns your workshop's culture and standards from day one becomes an invaluable team member, someone who understands not just the technical side but how your business operates. In an industry where skilled labour is increasingly difficult to find, growing your own talent isn't just smart; it's essential.
The pieces are falling into place: dedicated facilities, expanded training programmes, more apprentices entering the pipeline, and a regulatory environment that demands higher standards. 2026 could well be remembered as the year the Australian automotive industry truly committed to building the workforce it needs.
The question for every workshop owner is simple: Will you be part of this transformation?