A CAMP has been set up for 14 to 17-year-olds to learn about the motoring industry and its trades.
The Motor Trades Association of Queensland camp for high school students will provide an opportunity that is similar to work experience, enabling those taking part to get hands-on in a range of learning tasks that reflect what an automotive industry career could look like.
The course covers vehicle maintenance and the location and function of components under the hood, as well as concepts like hybrid and electric vehicles and battery cell technology.
"There is a huge gap for young people attending school, to get exposure to working in a particular industry," said chief executive Brett Dale.
"Also, there are so many new and exciting opportunities in the automotive field connected to technology and innovation," he said.
"Working with hybrid and electric cars and technical diagnostics linked to artificial intelligence and autonomous functionality are just some of the new skill sets required for the automotive technicians of the future.
"If young adults at school are not aware of these new developments in the automotive industry, it would be easy to dismiss it as a career option, as there are likely preconceived ideas of it being a less technical and laborious trade.
"The new era is connected to STEM skills and there is so much opportunity for students who excel in these areas.
"MTA Queensland has already had a number of students undertake Auto Camp and go onto commence an apprenticeship.
"This is a fantastic outcome as the industry has an enormous skills shortage. It also means the chances of being employed in the industry are very high."
The program is conducted in a state-of-the-art automotive training workshop which is fitted out with booths for hybrid/electric training, welding, paint and panel, and a range of car and truck engines.
Class sizes are limited to 20 and the trainers are technicians with years of experience.
The next camp will be held at MTA Queensland from December 11 to 13 and costs $275 which includes lunch daily.
