Auto electricians now have a chance to have their voices heard, with the New Zealand Auto Electrical Group (NZAE) poised to take their cause to the Government to ensure that tertiary and apprentice training reflects the industry’s current and future needs.
The NZAE was established in August 2018 to elevate the standing of the Automotive Electrical Industry, both in terms of training, and to assist with the success of member businesses. And the Group has strong backing from New Zealand’s six major auto electrical wholesalers.
The catalyst for the establishment of NZAE was twofold. Firstly, the combination of increasing pressure on auto electrical businesses resulting from the shortage of qualified technicians, outdated delivery, and a loss of faith in apprentice training.
Secondly, the automotive landscape is technologically evolving at ever-increasing speeds as manufacturers seek longer-lasting, safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable vehicles, plant and machinery.
Electric vehicles are here now. Robotic and remotely operated vehicles are off the drawing boards and being tested. And with petrol vehicle numbers on the decline, the demands on and skills required of an auto electrical engineer, are on the up.
“At this stage the main focus is on training, as it currently stands with ITOs, polytechnics, and the larger retailers,” Lionel Rowe, the NZAE’s industry development manager, told Motor Equipment News.
“We have made a submission to the Government regarding the proposed ‘NZ Institute of Skills and Technology’ to ensure that there is fully co-ordinated training between the various bodies concerned, and that the training is relevant to our industry.
“This is particularly true in terms of some training providers, which are constantly running behind what is a fast-moving technologically-driven industry.
“As an industry, we need to be actively involved in how our future technicians are trained. We also need to elevate the standing of our industry, to ensure that it is well valued and has a respected and sought-after voice.
“We want highly qualified and highly motivated young men and women flocking to the trade – not being pushed into it. The polytechnics and other training providers have encouraged the establishment of an industry group that they can liaise with, to develop the structure and delivery of industry training.
“In addition, employers and industries must become more proactive owing to the possible disestablishment of ITOs (MITO) as a result of the current Government review. A top-down approach from industry bodies such as the NZAE, is critical.”
Lionel says it is vital that more auto electricians join the organisation to ensure that their voices are heard. Membership costs only $600+ annually per company – or $50 per month plus GST.
The NZAE’s objectives are
as follows:
• To represent the views and interests of members and other entities involved in the auto electrical industry.
• To ensure that centralised Automotive Electrical Engineer tertiary and apprentice training reflects current and future needs.
• To be a strategic entity for lobbying and industry representation.
• To work with suppliers, manufacturers and training suppliers to facilitate and support upskilling of all staff.
• To liaise with suppliers, manufacturers, members and others to provide information on future technologies.
• To develop tools for career advisers, schools, etc to promote our industry to those evaluating new careers.
• To improve the awareness and profile of the Automotive Electrical Industry through united brand awareness and promotion.
• To develop initiatives that will support the growth of our industry.
NZAE has been established with the support of several industry suppliers. To date, these include Ashdown-Ingram, Century/Yuasa, CoolDrive, HCB Technologies, and Griffiths Equipment (Narva).
Further wholesalers have committed but yet to sign up.
Committee members are: Bruce Strang – HCB Technologies, Greg Lewis – North Harbour Auto Air & Electrical, Jason Land – Collins Automotive, John France – Hawke's Bay Marine and Electrical Lionel Rowe – Industry Development Manager, Mark Woodard – NewPort Auto Electrical, Peter Connelley – CoolDrive, Robert Newlands – Newlands Group and Stu Stanners – Century Yuasa.
“It is subsequently critical that we, as an industry, become the architects of our collective destiny,” says Lionel. “With your intellectual and financial support, we will grow so that we ultimately make our members more successful.”
Register your interest in becoming a member of NZAE by emailing enquiries@nzae.org or visit www.Nzae.org for more details.
