them to the glamour side of repair technology. replaced with a completely new Temporary Skill
7. Make your advert stand out from the crowd Shortage (TSS) visa system. Motor mechanics
If recruitment is required, make your job advert and automotive electricians are included on the
and the position stand out from the crowd. If you medium and long-term strategic skills list. Under
are going to offer something different like a nine- this category, employers can source highly skilled
day fortnight, early or late finish, provision of a overseas workers for up to four years, with
work vehicle, or five weeks annual leave, promote eligibility to apply for permanent residence after
it in the advertisement – this is what grabs three years. Another option is a 407 training visa
attention. At the interview stage don’t promise for up to two years initially. This is much less
a pay rise only if they are working well in three complex and costs only $280. If this works out
months’ time. Offer them what they are worth with the employee, you can apply for the TSS visa.
from day one.
There is no doubt that industry associations and
8. Keep in touch with past employees – Staff government are going to need to work together to
who jump ship quite often realise that the grass solve the current tech shortage. In the interim, there
is not greener on the other side. For this reason, are many things a workshop can do to minimise
when staff resign treat them with respect and wish the impact. It will take more effort, but we remain
them well. Let them know the door is always open optimistic that there are still many good technicians
and try to keep in contact. out there ready for an exciting career in the auto
9. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa – In
March 2018 the 457 visa system was scrapped and
repair industry – maybe in your workshop.
- by Geoff Mutton
CAPRICORN IGNITION JUNE 2018 27