Each month we are profiling one of our AUSMASA members and how they are supporting skills and workforce development. If you are interested in being a part of our Member Spotlight series, please email membership@ausmasa.org.au for further details.
Shaping a diverse, inclusive bus and coach industry workforce
With nearly 100,000 buses on Australian roads needing to adopt clean energy technologies to reach Net Zero by 2050, there is a significant need for the industry to support future skills and workforce priorities. The Bus Industry Confederation shares how AUSMASA membership is helping to shape coordinated national skills development.
Tell us about your organisation. How do you support skills in mining and/or automotive?
The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) is the national independent peak body for the Australian Bus and Coach Industry. We represent all areas of the industry on national issues with over 160 bus and coach operators, body, chassis and complete bus manufacturers and suppliers, parts and service providers, professional services, and state bus associations. This represents the vast majority of bus public transport providers.
Buses are an early adopter of new technologies and the transition to zero emissions is no different.
With 20% of new buses delivered last year being zero emission (and projected to exceed 30% by 2028) we support skills development for such technologies by advocating for nationally consistent training standards.
Regarding training, we engage with industry and governments to ensure that workforce development keeps aligned especially with rapid technological, regulatory and environmental change.
Through research, policy advice and convening industry stakeholders, we help ensure that employers can access a skilled workforce while the existing workforce have clear, future focused training and career opportunities.
Why did you join AUSMASA?
There is a saying, if you have you give. We joined AUSMASA because we recognise the importance of a coordinated, industry led approach to national skills development and have the expertise and experience to help.
BIC wants to share our experience and expertise to positively contribute to skills development in both the next generation and existing generation of technicians. This includes increasing diversity and attracting people to our industry.
By participating, we ensure that our sector’s priorities are represented and that our organisations can contribute to shaping a diverse, inclusive workforce ecosystem with future pathways that are future‑ready.
How do you think AUSMASA membership has enabled you to influence national skills and workforce development?
AUSMASA membership has given us an avenue to influence national training policy, qualifications reform and workforce planning. Having recently participated in working groups on qualification reforms and Hydrogen skills, we are providing industry expertise to help positively shape future skills practically.
It has also strengthened our ability to engage and collaborate with other sectors facing similar workforce aims and challenges.
Ultimately, AUSMASA has amplified our voice and enabled us to help shape a skills system capable of supporting Australia’s current and future workforce. At the end of the day it’s about people.
Drive positive change in your industry!
Join us and shape the future of workforce development in the mining and automotive sectors. As a member, your organisation will have a voice in national discussions alongside industry, peers, government and educators.
To find out how to become an AUSMASA member, visit our member page.