MTA calls for industry-led approach to automotive training

New Zealand’s main automotive industry body, Motor Trade Association (MTA), has today put forward a new proposal to the Government that calls for the return of an industry-led approach to automotive training.

The proposal was submitted to Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, stating that vocational education for the automotive sector needs to be decentralised from Te Pūkenga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Instead, MTA recommends an “of the industry, for the industry” approach through industry trainers like MITO – responsible for the training of 89 per cent of New Zealand’s automotive apprentices – which is soon set to be dismantled and consumed into Te Pūkenga. 

MTA Chief Executive Officer Lee Marshall says that these changes must be stopped “before further damage is done to what was previously a well-performing vocational training body.” 

In the association’s proposal, it put forward several key points to the Government, requesting:

• A new “independent track” for MITO.
• An immediate pause on structural reform that impacts industry training within Te Pūkenga, including MITO.
• The restoration of an “updated industry-led approach” to training with a structure that is based on the industry and/or its sectors.
• The ability for MITO to work with NZQA to have new qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework with approved training programmes.

“Automotive was one of the best-performing ITOs. It was and is financially sustainable. Qualifications within automotive are largely standard already, with almost 90 per cent of the learners in the country studying through the same pathway, so the overall rationale for Te Pūkenga never stacked up with automotive,” Lee added.

“So, we are saying loud and clear: Stop now and reconsider. Because there is no way that removing the management structure dedicated to our industry can improve things. 

“The businesses we represent are reporting chronic skills shortages. Our industry deserves the right to fight for its future. If this is not rectified urgently, the implications will be felt by all New Zealanders.”

Eight industry groups, including the Motor Industry Association, Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association, Tractor and Machinery Association, Collision Repair Association, and more have endorsed the proposal put forward to the Government. They have also requested a meeting with Minister Simmonds to discuss ways for it could be implemented.