In this episode, Sam Street interviews Darrell Jacobs, CEO of the Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory, about a number of topics relating to MTA's work and training of apprentices.

We start our discussion by reviewing how the closure of the TAFE which taught Trade and Panel resulted in MTA stepping up to fill the training gap in South Australia, teaching both at their training facility and travelling to schools to get students involved. Darrel also shares his experience organising the $4m rebuild of their site due to a fire caused by an electrical fault, the sourcing of government funding to implement further upgrades to their facility, as well as running the MTA’s Graduation and Awards Honours. We also evaluate how having the mandated code legislated has resulted in improving standards, whilst assessing the need to update the code, and review the response from the industry of the drafting of the new code.

We wrap up with considerations for choice of repairer, the increased adoption of electric vehicles, and how insurance companies conduct themselves.

Links & Resources:

Biggest ever MTA Graduation and Awards Honours SA’s Top Auto Talent

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/biggest-ever-mta-graduation-and-awards-honours-sa-s-top-auto-talent

MTAQ holds vibrant draft Code of Conduct event

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/mtaq-holds-vibrant-draft-code-of-conduct-event

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025