Driving change
The automotive Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel (SWAP) brings together automotive industry leaders who are focused on driving better workforce outcomes for the sector.
Their industry knowledge plays a vital role in informing the work we do, in particular, ensuring workforce needs are accurately captured in AUSMASA’s Workforce Plan. We rely on their automotive industry insights to steer improvements in Vocational Education and Training (VET) automotive training packages.
By consulting and engaging with a broad range of automotive industry leaders, we aim to understand and address the workforce demands of this rapidly evolving sector.
Automotive SWAP Representatives
Ian Price (Chair)
RTO General Manager, Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales
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 McIntosh
State Manager, Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
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.
Deborah Joyce
Executive Officer, Automotive Training Board New South Wales
Deborah is the Executive Officer of the Automotive Training Board New South Wales (ATB NSW) in Sydney, an organisation that provides a link between the automotive industry and the state’s Department of Education. The Board ensures the voice of industry is heard by policymakers. In the earlier part of her career, Deborah spent 15 years in an automotive workshop performing a range of duties as co-owner. She brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the table.
Jason Trewin
Chief Operating Officer, I-CAR Australia in Victoria
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.
Jodi Ryan
General Manager Apprenticeships, Motor Trade Association South Australia Northern Territory
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.
Jonathon Maile
Executive Director - Engineering, Transport and Defence, South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia
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 Evans
Training Manager and Apprentice Program Leader, Cummins Asia Pacific
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 Yates
Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association
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 Harper
Industry Consultant Automotive and Engineering, Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive Training Council of Western Australia
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 Tosolini
National Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Technical Capability Manager, Komatsu Australia
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 Mangano
National Employee Relationship Manager, United Forklift and Access Solutions
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 Baxter
National Skills and Training Coordinator, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
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 Garbett
Technical Officer, Electrical Trades Union of Australia
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.
Todd Hacking
Chief Executive Officer, Heavy Vehicle Industry Association
With a background in law, Todd is the Chief Executive Officer of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the peak national body representing members of the heavy vehicle supply chain. Todd liaises with members on a range of issues facing the industry, including skills shortages, an ageing workforce and increasing opportunities for female participation in the industry. Todd is a member of a number of panels, committees and advisory boards.
SWAP selection process
SWAP members are selected based on their knowledge and experience in the mining industry and the automotive industry. They are usually leaders within their organisation who have demonstrated committee/advisory panel experience.
All SWAP appointments were made in line with our SWAP Selection Process guidelines.
To gather a range of diverse insights, we have selected SWAP members from a range of organisations, including industry, unions, peak bodies, and education providers, to provide diverse insights and skills.