Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards finalists McCarthy Panel Works (Best Country Shop finalist) in North Mackay has been awarded the Small Employer of the Year at the 62nd Queensland Training Awards. McCarthys are now also finalists for the national competition - the Australian Training Awards in Hobart, Tasmania on Friday 17 November 2023.
The 2023 Queensland Training Awards provides the state's top prize for outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET) statewide.
This second generation business with well over 50 years under its belt has nurtured over 30 apprentices who have become fully qualified technicians since the business was founded.
Andrea and Craig McCarthy don't wait for apprentices to knock on their door (if only) but have always been proactive in reaching out to schools and the community.
In April of this year the business shared space with MTAQ so that their trainers could run an Auto Ready Program for school aged students between years 10-12. This training allowed the students to obtain a QCE point and was conducted in the school holidays. The program attracted 30 students all eager to participate in the three automotive modules that were covered - thanks to plenty of promotion by Andrea.
"The concept of, and initialisation of the Auto Careers Expo, was driven by the opportunity to bring together the full loop in automotive," says Andrea. "It is about the understanding that to strengthen one’s own business those related businesses around us must also strengthen. For example we simply must have access to qualified mechanics, auto electricians, and quality parts suppliers. So, addressing the issue as a unified front makes sense."
The Careers Expo attracted 120 people including students, parents, teachers, apprentice organisations - as well as government representatives, including the local MP and Mayor.
In all there were 14 exhibitors that provided interactive paint games for colour matching, scanning equipment and how it works, calibration equipment. EV vehicles were also on site for everyone to take a look at.
Andrea reports that it was a very successful event that raised awareness about career opportunities and provided tangible benefits for all involved - including some apprenticeship sign ups.
McCarthys also actively forges an inclusive path and has worked with the Queensland Government's Back to Work program.
They were able to access incentive payments to better support their team and assess if this is the right fit for both the individual as well as the business before signing on for the apprenticeship journey, and the results have been nothing but positive.
Alex has since completed his apprenticeship and is now a qualified tradesman through this program. Lachie has dyslexia and has been able to complete his apprenticeship over a longer period of time after Andrea and Craig, together with their training provider, adapted his training program to suit his needs. Lachie is expected to complete his apprenticeship towards the end of the year after six years of hard work and dedication.
Andrea said: “It’s all about looking at the individual person and bringing forth what they can bring to the table, and how we can all work together with a most holistic approach”.
Danie, who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, is completing her apprenticeship as a paint technician and Andrea is mentoring her through the Motor Trades Association Queensland Auto Women. Andrea said “Danie is doing awesome, and we all embrace the indigenous culture she brings to the workplace”.