MTA February 2023 SA

6
CEO’S MESSAGE
MTA CEO
DARRELL JACOBS
CEO’s
Message
As a new year begins, the
extraordinary privilege of being
appointed to the role of CEO of
the Motor Trade Association SA/
NT is not lost on me. I have a
clear vision for the MTA – to be
the best automotive skills, careers
and service provider. Building on
Paul Unerkov’s tremendous work,
I am committed to delivering this
to ensure members can ultimately
remain doing what they do best –
running their business.
Coming into the role I bring sheer
enthusiasm in representing one
of the most important industries
to the South Australian economy
and South Australians at large.
Classified as an essential service
throughout the COVID-induced
lockdowns, automotive keeps our
state moving. This is where getting
the public policy settings right for
automotive businesses is critical
across retail, service and repair.
Equally still, the MTA must be fit for
purpose to deliver the key services to
our members, those that train with
us and business who employ our
apprentices.
To meet this goal, the MTA
is revitalising our internal
organisational structure. As part of
our vision for the association to be
the best automotive skills, career and
service provider we are synergising
our resources in 2023 and beyond.
On a practical level for members and
MTA customers, we are integrating
our field operations across training,
employment and divisions. Our goal
is to support your business better
by having more representatives
in industry, understanding the key
issues and helping solve them as
quickly as we can.
I’m also excited to be rolling out
the MTA’s new apprentice training
and skills development model. This
new blended model of training,
which commenced just a few weeks
ago, is an exciting initiative where
apprentices will be provided more
practical support, greater flexibility
and additional time with their host
business. This new model is a direct
result of industry consultation with
MTA members. It will mix on-site and
workshop learning and importantly
will result in trainers visiting
apprentices and employers to work
together for the best outcomes for
all. There will also be the added
benefit of assisting businesses
who we know are dealing with
acute labour shortages by giving
back more of their apprentice’s time
to the workshop.
Moving forward, I look forward to
leaning on the guidance of our Chair,
the Board, the Industry Advisory
Council and all members as we
navigate ongoing policy priorities,
including skills shortages. The
transition to zero and low emission
vehicles will also present new
opportunities for the industry but
we must ensure that this transition
does not adversely affect local
businesses. The MTA will stand
shoulder to shoulder with industry in
this regard, whether it’s advocating
to all levels of government on your
behalf or helping your business
prepare to sell, service and repair
new vehicles.
While I have already met a number
of Government Ministers and
members of parliament, their staff
and key stakeholders, I look forward
to continual engagement and open
and honest conversations that can
strengthen both the Automotive
Industry and South Australia.
For members, I am committed to
making sure you have access to
the very best workplace relations
services. Most MTA members have
been with us for more than ten years
and may not have called upon our
expertise to assist them, but they
know that the MTA will always be
there should an issue arise. In my
view having this confidence and
peace of mind remains essential.
Over the coming months I look
forward to engaging with as many
members as I can. As an association
we are only as strong as our
membership. This includes our MTA
Board, Industry Advisory Council and
Chairs of each Divisions and Zones.
My door is always open as we strive
together to develop the MTA to be
the best automotive skills, careers
and service provider.
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