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.
Supporting, developing and rewarding a skilled automotive workforce across Australia.
In our June Member Spotlight, we speak with Dino Romeo, Deputy General Manager, Service Engineering & Aftersales Training at Nissan Motor Company Australia.
Dino explains some of the initiatives that the organisation has introduced to retain apprentices and reward high performing staff. He also discusses how Nissan Australia's engagement in AUSMASA events and Technical Committees is helping the company to shape future automotive workforce.
Tell us about your organisation. How do you support automotive skills?
At Nissan Motor Company Australia (NMA), we support a nationwide network of more than 170 franchised dealers, collectively servicing and repairing approximately 400,000 vehicles each year. To support this network, NMA provides comprehensive technical assistance to dealerships, enabling high-quality servicing, accurate diagnosis, and effective repair outcomes that underpin strong customer satisfaction.
The Nissan dealer network is supported by more than 700 qualified technicians registered on the Nissan Learning Academy training portal. NMA’s dedicated Technical Training Team delivers a structured, multi‑level training program designed to equip dealership technicians with the skills and knowledge required to service, diagnose, and repair Nissan vehicles efficiently and effectively. This program is delivered through a blended learning approach, incorporating online modules, virtual instruction, and face‑to‑face training. Technicians progress through clearly defined training pathways, culminating in the achievement of Nissan Master Technician status. There are currently more than 80 Nissan Master Technicians across the Australian dealer network.
Nissan Master Technicians are highly regarded within the dealer network and across Nissan globally. Their expertise and commitment are recognised through exclusive rewards and professional development experiences. A recent example is the 2025 Nissan Master Technician Conference, held at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort in December. The event featured immersive driving experiences, including closed‑road performance drives in Nissan GT‑R and Z models, off‑road driving in the Nissan Patrol and Navara, and ADAS drive exercises demonstrating Nissan’s latest safety technologies. The conference also included presentations from senior Nissan leaders, reinforcing the critical role Master Technicians and their dealerships play within the broader Nissan ecosystem.
Nissan Mentored Apprentice Program
In addition to our Nissan Technical Training program, Nissan Australia partners with WPC Group, a leading Group Training Organisation (GTO), to deliver a nationally recognised apprenticeship pathway. Since 2011, this partnership has supported the delivery of the Nissan Mentored Apprentice Program (NISSMAP). Through NISSMAP, apprentices complete a Certificate III in Automotive Light Vehicle while gaining hands‑on experience with Nissan vehicles, components, and diagnostic systems. The program operates across all mainland states, with WPC Group working closely with local TAFE colleges to facilitate sequenced training delivery. In recognition of its innovative training program design, NISSMAP was awarded the Australian Government’s prestigious Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award in 2016.
There are currently more than 80 NISSMAP apprentices nationally. The program achieves an apprentice retention rate exceeding 80%, significantly higher than the national average of less than 50%. Upon completion, apprentices attain both their trade qualification and Nissan Certified Technician status, which represents the first level within the Nissan Technical Training program.
Why did you become an AUSMASA member?
We believe that membership of AUSMASA provides a valuable opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive trade by supporting certification standards that ensure technicians graduate with the skills and capabilities required to work autonomously and efficiently within the dealership environment.
Our experience shows that technicians with a strong grasp of trade fundamentals are far better positioned to understand and apply new technologies, procedures, and skills delivered through Nissan Technical Training. With this solid foundation, technicians are able to progress more effectively through the Nissan Technical Certification pathway and achieve higher levels of technical competency.
How do you think AUSMASA membership has enabled you to influence national skills and workforce development?
Although NMA has only been a member for a short period, we have already actively engaged through attendance at the EV Skills Summit and participation in the Certificate III Electric Vehicle Technology Review Technical Committee. Involvement in these initiatives, along with ongoing future engagement, will enable Nissan to play a meaningful role in influencing national skills development and shaping the future automotive workforce.
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.
