With more than 30 years of industry experience under his belt, the owner of Romsey’s JAKs Body Repairs is doing his bit for the future of mechanics.
Owner Alex Spiteri is currently training up two apprentices at his panel shop, even though he said it took “a lot of money”.
Earlier this month Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited JAKs Body Repairs to meet Mr Spiteri and his apprentices.
The state government is looking at the barriers stopping people from taking up apprenticeships and traineeships.
The inquiry comes after the 2017-18 state budget allocated $8.2 million for TAFE support officers to help apprentices under 25 finish training and get jobs.
Mr Spiteri told Star Weekly that financially assisting business owners would help workshops take on more apprentices.
“Other shops won’t put them on ‘cause it costs too much money,” he said.
Mr Spiteri said it took two years for businesses to make a profit from apprentices because they were employed on adult wages while being trained.
He said he took on apprentices with the industry’s future in mind, and because he liked to teach.
“We do it to keep our trade alive,” said Mr Spiteri. “If we’re not putting apprentices on our trade will die.”
