More skills for 600 Repco workers

Media Release.

Almost 600 automotive workers will gain new skills thanks to a training partnership between Repco and the Gillard Labor Government.
The new $2.8 million partnership will fund training for Repco workers in more than 140 automotive service stores in every state and territory.
The Australian automotive repair and maintenance industry is a major employer with about 129,500 workers, but the sector also has high training demands.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Sharon Bird and Member for Wakefield Nick Champion announced the partnership today at Car Service Salisbury, a Repco authorised small business.
“Like many sectors, the demand for skills in the automotive industry is constantly changing,” Minister Bird said.
“Traditional mechanical skills need to be complemented with business skills, and I’m pleased that Repco is taking up that challenge.”
Member for Wakefield Nick Champion said the training would benefit local workers in Salisbury.
“This funding has given a local small business the chance to invest in their workers. This training will be a major boost for staff, managers and the company here in Salisbury,” Mr Champion said.
“It’s a great example of what will be achieved across the nation through this investment.”
A total of 597 Repco workers will undertake training under the partnership which follows 12 months of consultation and skills analysis across the company.
The Australian Government is contributing more than $1.8 million to the Repco training project through the National Workforce Development Fund, with the company contributing $920,000.
Through the $765 million National Workforce Development Fund the Australian Government is working in partnership with industry to support workforce development and training across business in all sectors of economy.