The MTA Institute is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and has some 50 trainers delivering those programs to more than 3000 students across the state.
A vital part of the Institute’s (Registered Training Organisation (RTO) No. 31529) work is to ensure that its trainers are the best in the industry. To do so, the Institute brings all the trainers together twice each year for professional development of their own, ensuring the team are across not only the latest in technical developments and industry requirements with regards to training delivery, but that their own technical skills are sharp, on point, and up to date.
“The conference represents an opportunity to provide trainers with ongoing professional development which positions them as confident and competent educators,” said Marcello Riotto, Director of the MTA Institute.
“With significant technological advancements presenting very rapidly, we’re committed to ensuring our trainers are, and continue to be, at the forefront of these technological changes.”
The agenda for December’s trainers’ conference reflected the technological strides taken in the industry. Topics covered electric vehicle technology; auto electrical technology; motorcycle and heavy vehicle systems; and body and refinishing technology; and there were demonstrations and workshops delivered by senior MTA Institute trainers and experts from industry stakeholders including Isuzu, AusEV, Volvo, Foton, 3M, Axalta, and Hitachi.
The conference was, said Marcello, a very fruitful three days and, along with the professional development training, provided an invaluable opportunity for staff to come together and foster a sense of unity.
“The conference contributes to a robust organisational culture allowing everyone to share insights and experiences and be a catalyst for strengthening relationships among staff members,” he said.
“While it fulfils the RTO’s regulatory obligations to provide professional development opportunities, we were also able to reinforce our commitment to quality and compliance while promoting a cohesive and supportive workplace culture that benefits both staff and learners alike.”
“The satisfaction I get from seeing my students succeed and do well is every bit as satisfying as seeing them succeed as my employees – but without the stress running the business!”
Trainer of the Year
It is at the December conference that the MTA Institute recognises the talents of its trainers with the presentation of the Trainer of the Year award. The recipient of the 2024 award was Andrew Elson, with Antony Joslin and last year’s winner Gareth Hartley named in runners-up spots. Based in Queensland’s southeast region, Andrew delivers light vehicle, auto electrical, parts interpreting and outdoor power equipment apprenticeship training to around 50 students across an area that includes the Lockyer Valley and reaches out to Charleville and down to the NSW border.
A trainer with many years of experience in the automotive industry – including as the owner of his own workshop – Andrew originally trained as a technician with Telecom Australia in the 1980s. His passion had always been cars, however, and he shifted to automotive in 2000, starting a light vehicle apprenticeship at Toowoomba Springworks and training with the MTA Institute.
Within five years he had bought his own business – Toowoomba Engine Centre – and ran that business with his wife for much of the next 20 years.
It was towards the end of the period that Andrew began to think about how else he could be involved in the industry and, perhaps, share what he had learned with the next generation of technicians.
“I had several apprentices over the years – who had used both TAFE and the MTA Institute as training organisations – and really enjoyed mentoring and working alongside the new generation of mechanics,” said Andrew.
“I never really took the time to check what the trainers were doing as I was so busy. However, eventually, I had a conversation with one of the Institute’s trainers – Zak Zuiderduin – about his job.
“This led to some thinking about life after being a workshop owner and my discussions with Zak, along with some I had with the local TAFE, confirmed for me this new career path I wanted to pursue.”
Joining the MTA Institute just three years ago, Andrew has found the work of a trainer to be challenging but extremely rewarding and said it was exciting to encourage the next generation of industry professionals to earn their trades and learn from his own experiences.
“The satisfaction I get from seeing my students succeed and do well is every bit as satisfying as seeing them succeed as my employees – but without the stress of running the business!” he said.
“I advise any young aspiring apprentices to jump in and have a go, take the opportunity to do some work experience, ask for advice and read/watch releases about new technology and remember we all started as apprentices. The changes to new powertrains, and enhancements in safety will happen, even in Australia.”
Being named as Trainer of the Year after just a short time with the Institute was, said Andrew, a great surprise, and he was proud to have his work recognised in such a way.
“Even just being named as a candidate was a shock and a huge feeling of accomplishment,” he said. “There are a lot of trainers dealing with similar issues with students, workplaces, compliance, travel, long hours and so on, so it was very flattering to be chosen as the trainer of the year.”
For the Institute – which has been expanding its team as the popularity of its training program grows – Andrew has been a most welcome addition to the organisation.
“Andrew is fairly fresh out of industry but has taken to training like a duck to water,” said Marcello. “For context, the Trainer of the Year is determined by an aggregated voting system with nearly 20 internal staff contributing. These areas include training quality, compliance, accounts, marketing and communication, administration and management. Andrew has either met or exceeded all those internal metrics.
“He was recently appointed as the Regional Lead trainer for the Darling Downs and Southwest region, and he is doing a wonderful job supporting students, employers and trainers alike.
“He is a deserving recipient who goes above and beyond, and we’re privileged to have him in our industry and representing our organisation.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2025)
29 March 2025