By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
TO SEE just how prosperous a career in the automotive industry can be, look no further than Kevin and Nikki Slattery.
In 1988, Kevin and Nikki Slattery opened Cranbourne Body Works – a small shop on an unsealed road.
It was initially a business that would buy and sell cars but as people kept coming back the little shop grew.
Now, Cranbourne Body Works is one of the region’s most trusted automotive services and employs 14 qualified tradespeople – and they’re looking for more.
As well as striving for excellence in their own work, they’re looking to change the face of their industry and combat a scarcity of workers.
Sales and Marketing Manager Janine Hill said the skills shortage may come down to the way the trade is marketed to students.
“When I rang a lot of the school councillors, they openly admitted that they don’t send kids our way,” she said.
“One of the guys working for us now, he’s 22 and he’ll never be unemployed, he’ll always have job security. What more could you want for your child?”
Cranbourne Body Works is preparing to roll out an apprenticeship program which will give local students the best possible start in a diverse and prosperous industry.
The business is also working with local schools to communicate to students the many opportunities available and to ensure they understand the wide variety and exciting future of the work.
Janine said the company will host groups of about 20 students at the site to show them the high-tech facilities and explain more about the fast-evolving industry.
“We hope to try and engage youth through a workshop. They’ll be shown the paint room with computerised and automated technology, the hoisting system and other technology that we use,” she said.
“We’re working with the Youth Engagement Officer at Cardinia shire to get kids out here and get them excited about this industry.”
She said the company also plans to visit open days and career expos to reach out to as many students as possible.
“It’s a great career choice,” Janine said.
“That’s the message we’re trying to get out there.”
