Fight to retain engineering skills for Australian industry

Concern over the loss of engineering knowledge and skills to Australian industry with the imminent closures of three vehicle manufacturing plants in Victoria has prompted the work of an Industry Programs Working Group (IPWG) headed by the Society of Automotive Engineers-Australasia (SAE-A) to help engineers find new opportunities in other industry sectors.

Working closely with the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training, the working group has conducted detailed research and analysis over nine industry sectors outside the automotive industry in the hope of opening up new opportunities for skilled automotive engineers.

“The aim of the IPWG is fundamental to empowering engineers and professionals to make their next career decision into roles that add value to the employer and where the engineers can utilise their skills, knowledge and experience with long-term benefits to Australian industry,” said SAE-A Manager, Industry Programs Working Group Kelvin Clissold.

“Whilst there are positive signs that some form of automotive manufacturing will continue in Australia in areas of special vehicles, defence and recreational vehicles, there is a strong focus by the IPWG in identifying opportunities outside the automotive industry.

“Various training programs are also being developed and industry stakeholders are being made aware of this valuable resource and the high level of skills these engineers can bring to industry.”

Research was undertaken in industries such as  manufacturing, agriculture, defence and aerospace, construction, oil, gas and energy, mining and metals, health, electricity, gas, water and waste services, mining and metals, education and training plus light and heavy rail.

More than 100 engineers in the automotive industry and supply area were surveyed with input from universities and training institutes.

A skills matrix was also produced by the SAE-A mapping the professional skillset and breadth of transferable skills which automotive engineers could bring to other industry sectors.

The SAE-A said engineers who have transferred out of the automotive sector are already providing high-level skills to industries such as plastic moulding and defence. They are also reportedly involved in modular designs in the building industry, as well as project management and the development of new processes in mining and construction.

Ford Motor Company has reportedly decided to retain up to 1000 engineers in its Australian Design Centre for global development, while Holden will retain development and test engineers, and component manufacturer Continental (VDO) will retaining over 30 engineers within Australia for future product development.

The SAE-A said a positive outcome of the working group has been a number of engineers starting their own businesses.