Ian has worked in the automotive industry for more than three decades. A qualified technician and educator, Ian has owned and operated his own registered training organisation (RTO) for 15 years. As the RTO General Manager of the Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW), Ian is dedicated to assisting MTA NSW members in the daily running of their businesses by advocating for them and for industry as a whole at all levels of government.

Bruce started his career as an apprentice mechanic before qualifying as a trade-certified automotive engineer. After co-founding an automatic lubrication systems business and being involved in other commercial enterprises, Bruce is now the State Manager of the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) – the state’s peak automotive industry association. Bruce is passionate about the automotive industry and about supporting the next generation of apprentices. 

Jason began his career as a body technician and operated a successful collision repair business for 20 years. Nowadays, he is the Chief Operating Officer of I-CAR Australia in Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation providing post-trade training to the automotive sector. He has been a technical trainer for I-CAR Australia since 2006 and is a globally certified trainer for BMW and Porsche in collision repair.

As the General Manager, Apprenticeships for the Motor Trade Association South Australia Northern Territory (MTA SANT), Jodi has extensive knowledge of training and funding arrangements and automotive trades across all areas. Among her many achievements, Jodi played an integral role in the development of South Australia’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle Training Centre and qualification, preparing the next generation of automotive workers to support the industry in selling, servicing and repairing the rapidly growing number of electric vehicles on our roads.

In his role as Executive Director - Engineering, Transport and Defence at South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia, Jonathon leads a team of portfolio managers and academic staff across a broad range of trade and technical areas. He provides strategic direction for approximately 400 staff within the division and manages a small team of commercially focused consultants. Prior to this, Jonathon led a team of 45 lecturing and technical staff as the Portfolio Manager of Automotive training for the TAFE.

Kate has worn many hats during her illustrious career. After joining Cummins as the Southern Region Apprentice Program Manager, when the company launched the in-house Apprentice Program. Two years later, it won the Large Apprentice Employer of the Year award at the Australian Training Awards. Kate now leads the South Pacific Apprentice Program, offering nationally recognised qualifications in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Sales, Parts Interpreting.

Lesley has been steering Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) advocacy campaigns for close to a decade with a focus on crafting innovative solutions to the significant challenges facing the automotive industry. A milestone in her career was the passing of the new motor vehicle repair law in the Australian Parliament in 2021, the culmination of a decade-long campaign by AAAA advocating for fair and open competition. Lesley sits on several key advisory panels and is passionate about her work.

Mark provides strategic advice to the Western Australian (WA) Government through the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) and the State Training Board. Mark has also sat on various committees and worked collaboratively with industry, government departments and National Industry Skills Councils to promote apprenticeships and traineeship opportunities. Mark began his career as a mechanic and previously owned a prestige vehicle sales and service centre in England, specialising in leading automotive brands and race car construction. Mark is a head judge for World Skills Australia and was awarded life membership in 2023. 

Matthew has worked in the earthmoving and mining industries for more than two decades in a variety of technical, operational and managerial roles. As National Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Technical Capability Manager for Komatsu Australia, Matthew brings broad technical knowledge to the table. Matt is a current member of Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG) industry consultation committees and represents small to medium enterprises (SMEs) at various trade events relevant to future skill sets.

Melissa has a decade of experience in vocational education and training (VET), working in state and operations management. She has worked for private registered training organisations (RTOs) delivering training across a variety of industries and has held senior leadership and strategy development roles. As the National Employee Relationship Manager for United Forklift and Access Solutions, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned forklift and access equipment companies, Melissa provides workforce solutions and retention strategies for more than 400 staff.

Paul has considerable experience working with state and national bodies in training package development. He is the National Skills and Training Coordinator with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU). Paulhas represented the AMWU on a number of industry reference committees including Manufacturing and Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance, Construction and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Paul’s extensive knowledge of issues facing workers and employers across the automotive industry makes him highly regarded by peers.

Vanessa has been an A-grade electrician in Victoria for over 30 years and is also a licensed electrical inspector. Vanessa has worked across many parts of the industry, including construction, distribution, and heavy industry. She has most recently worked for the state regulator in Victoria for the past 13 years, where much of her work involved administration and auditing of large-scale generation and heavy industry. Her current role is as a Technical Officer for the ETU National Office involves supporting and developing Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3000, the Wiring Rules, and the suite of standards called up by AS/NZS 3000 and revising training packages associated with the electrical industry.