Institute tackles industry skills shortage

摘要

In a move aimed at relieving Australia's chronic shortage of heavy vehicle mechanics, Western Australia's world-leading Caterpillar Institute is providing special courses to upgrade the skills of mechanics who have already been trained on lighter equipment in previous workplaces. But general manager Dr Irene loannakis warned that employers and governments must change their attitudes to investment in training if the industry was to avoid critical skill shortages in the emerging resources upturn. The first batch of eight light vehicle mechanics to take the trade upgrade course graduated from the Caterpillar Institute last year, and a total of 24 are due to take two pilot courses - with WA Government funding - during 2003.