News Brief: English
Summary
A severe shortage of qualified mechanics in Queensland is forcing automotive businesses to look overseas for workers, with over half reporting recruitment difficulties. Industry leaders warn that recent cuts to federal apprentice subsidies threaten the sector’s future.
Key Points
- Widespread Shortage: 56% of Queensland automotive businesses struggle to find skilled staff, with some job ads running for over six months.
- Impact on Business: 33% of Queensland workshops are turning away work due to being understaffed, higher than the national average (27%).
- Recruitment Challenges: Owners report hundreds of applications but very few qualified candidates, citing a lack of hands-on experience among applicants.
- Overseas Solution: Desperate businesses are spending over $20,000 to recruit mechanics from countries like the Philippines.
- Apprentice Subsidy Cut: The federal government will slash incentives for hiring apprentices from $5,000 to $2,500 from January 1, a move criticized by the industry.
- Root Causes: The shortage persists despite high demand. Barriers include young people’s lack of exposure to automotive careers and perceptions of low entry-level pay.
新闻简报：中文
摘要
澳大利亚昆士兰州面临严重的合格机械师短缺，迫使汽车行业企业转向海外招聘。超过一半的企业报告招聘困难。行业领袖警告，联邦政府削减学徒补贴的决定将危及该行业的未来。
关键点
- 普遍短缺：56%的昆士兰州汽车企业难以找到熟练员工，有些招聘广告发布超过六个月仍无结果。
- 对业务的影响：由于人手不足，33%的昆士兰州汽车维修店不得不拒接业务，高于全国平均水平（27%）。
- 招聘挑战：业主收到数百份申请，但合格者寥寥无几，许多申请人缺乏实际工作经验。
- 海外解决方案：一些企业出于无奈，花费超过2万澳元从菲律宾等国招聘机械师。
- 学徒补贴削减：联邦政府将从明年1月1日起，将雇佣学徒的激励金从5000澳元削减至2500澳元，此举受到行业批评。
- 根本原因：尽管需求旺盛，短缺依然存在。原因包括年轻人对汽车行业缺乏了解，以及认为起薪较低等。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-31/qld-mechanic-shortages/106146022