MTA WA Open Day showcases the future of automotive careers
MTA WA Open Day showcases the future of automotive careers
MTA WA’s 2026 Open Day brought together industry, government, education and the community for a hands-on look at the changing face of automotive careers, while also marking the WA launch of National Skills Week and hosting the WorldSkills Regional Auto Electrical Competition.
On Saturday, 29 August, MTA WA opened the doors of its Balcatta training facility, giving prospective apprentices, families and members of the community the opportunity to explore the diverse career pathways available across WA’s automotive industry.
There was plenty happening throughout the day, with the Open Day also providing the backdrop for the WA launch of National Skills Week and the WorldSkills Regional Auto Electrical Competition.
Together, the events highlighted an important message: automotive careers are changing rapidly, creating exciting new opportunities for the next generation of skilled technicians.
A hands-on look at automotive training
Throughout the Open Day, MTA WA trainers and staff welcomed visitors into the training workshops, conducting tours, answering questions and providing practical demonstrations of the technology and skills now central to modern automotive careers.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore the full range of automotive technology, with demonstrations of petrol, diesel and electric vehicle systems and the components that keep them running.
Advanced diagnostic equipment was also on display. Visitors saw how a PicoScope helps technicians view and analyse electrical signals to identify faults, while thermal imaging reveals heat patterns that can point to problems. EV battery demonstrations offered another glimpse into the technology behind today’s automotive trades.
Scalextric slot cars and other interactive activities helped create a fun, hands-on experience for younger visitors, while prospective apprentices and their families were able to speak directly with trainers about automotive career and training pathways.
With food trucks, vehicle displays and industry exhibitors adding to the atmosphere, there was a real festival feel throughout the training centre.
Automotive careers are changing
The Open Day also provided an opportunity for MTA WA to highlight one of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, facing WA’s automotive industry: the rapid evolution of the State’s vehicle fleet.
MTA WA highlighted that almost one in four new vehicles registered in WA between April and June 2026 was electric, with 63,241 licensed light electric vehicles on WA roads, representing an increase of almost 66 per cent in just 12 months.
At the same time, the industry continues to experience shortages of skilled workers, with Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic and Motor Mechanic (General) among the occupations experiencing shortages in Western Australia.
MTA WA CEO Neil Le Febvre said these changes were creating significant opportunities for people considering an automotive apprenticeship.
“The cars we drive are changing, and the people who work on them need to change with them.”
He said the traditional perception of a mechanic no longer reflected the reality of working in a modern automotive workshop.
“Modern workshops use computers and advanced diagnostic equipment and work on increasingly sophisticated electrical systems that complement the practical skills that have always been at the heart of the trade.”
“The future mechanic will combine technology with practical skills, problem-solving and good judgement.”
Preparing WA’s workforce for the vehicles of tomorrow
MTA WA has been preparing apprentices and existing automotive workers for the changing vehicle fleet for several years. In 2019, we became the first automotive RTO in WA to introduce EV specific training into our apprenticeship courses.
More than 700 MTA WA apprentices have now undertaken EV training, while a further 759 qualified automotive technicians have expanded their existing skills through EV short course training with MTA WA.
Apprentice numbers at MTA WA have also increased by approximately 500 per cent over the past decade, reflecting growing demand for automotive training and skilled workers.
With a greater mix of vehicle brands, powertrains and technologies entering the Australian market, adaptability will be increasingly important.
As Mr Le Febvre explained:
“That’s a great thing about undertaking an automotive apprenticeship right now. You’re not training for one type of car. You’re building skills that can take you in different directions as the industry changes.”
For young people considering their next step, an automotive apprenticeship offers the opportunity to earn while learning, gain a nationally recognised qualification and build practical skills while working with increasingly sophisticated technology.
Government and industry come together
MTA WA was pleased to welcome government and community representatives to the Open Day, including Dr Anne Aly, Federal Minister for Small Business and Member for Cowan; Steve Catania MLA, State Member for Midland; City of Stirling Deputy Mayor Karlo Perkov; and Coastal Ward Councillor Tony Krsticevic.
Apprentices Ethan Massey, Hesmarie “Hez” Husselmann and Poppy Walton also joined the day’s activities, helping showcase the experiences and opportunities available to people entering the industry.
MTA WA Board President Robin Cook attended alongside Directors Joe Giura, Mark Taylor, Garry Spouge and Moira D’Cruze.
The changing automotive workforce attracted significant media interest, with the story featuring on Seven News, 9News and in The West Australian, helping take the message about automotive skills, apprenticeships and career opportunities to audiences across WA.
WorldSkills puts apprentice talent to the test
While visitors explored the training facility, some of WA’s most talented automotive electrical apprentices were putting their skills to the test in the WorldSkills Regional Auto Electrical Competition.
The competition provided apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate the technical skills required in today’s automotive electrical trade, including interpreting wiring diagrams, manufacturing and repairing wiring harnesses, and electrical component testing.
Competitors were assessed by Kieron Hinsley from Komatsu and MTA WA Trainer Brad Gamel, with competitors vying for the opportunity to progress towards representing WA at the national WorldSkills competition.
Hosting the competition alongside the Open Day allowed visitors to see first-hand the level of technical knowledge, precision and problem-solving ability required of today’s automotive electrical apprentices.
Industry on display
MTA WA’s industry partners and suppliers also played an important part in the day, hosting trade displays and speaking with visitors about the broader automotive and business community.
Exhibitors included:
- CareSuper
- OurAuto Insurance
- ANZ Worldline
- SP Tools
- MotorTech
- Occuhealth
- Volt Safety
- CoolDrive
- Exide Batteries
- Bunzl
- MEGT
MTA WA was also on hand with a dedicated stand, connecting with attendees to showcase our Apprentice Employment Services, explore training opportunities with prospective students, and highlight the benefits of MTA WA membership to business owners.
A diverse collection of vehicle displays also attracted plenty of attention, including Barry Punter’s V8 Drive Day MTA WA Branded Commodore, vehicles from Ayani Car Collective, displays from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), and large trucks and trailers.
These displays reflected the breadth of an industry that spans everything from passenger and performance vehicles to EVs, heavy vehicles and emerging automotive technologies.
Driving the next generation of automotive careers
The 2026 MTA WA Open Day was ultimately about giving people a chance to experience today’s automotive industry for themselves.
It provided prospective apprentices and their families with the opportunity to step inside the workshops, meet trainers, talk to people already pursuing automotive careers and discover just how much the industry is evolving.
Against the backdrop of National Skills Week, record EV uptake and an ongoing demand for skilled technicians, the day also demonstrated why developing the next generation of automotive professionals has never been more important.
MTA WA is proud to support the apprentices and automotive professionals who will keep Western Australia moving, and to help ensure they have the skills to work on the vehicles of today and tomorrow.
Interested in an automotive career?
Whether you’re still at school, considering a career change or simply want to know where an automotive trade could take you, MTA WA offers a range of apprenticeship and training pathways.
Explore automotive training and apprenticeship opportunities with MTA WA.
