Suncorp Group has partnered with the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) in a move to address the growing skills shortage and ageing workforce within the collision repair sector.
The partnership is marked by a two-year sponsorship agreement and positions Suncorp as the first insurer to back the newly established advocacy body, according to an emailed release.
ACIA launched last year as a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting career opportunities within the collision repair sector. Its goal is to fund and implement initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining talent within the sector by collaborating with industry stakeholders, including repairers, suppliers, insurers, dealer groups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Luke Whenman, executive general manager of motor claims customers at Suncorp, commented on the partnership and said the move is an important one.
“This is an excellent step forward for the repair industry, recognising the significance of investing in developing current and future talent,” he said. “I’m proud that Suncorp can partner with ACIA to ensure the delivery of exceptional repair outcomes for our customers.”
Stuart Faid, a member of the ACIA board, echoed Whenman’s sentiments by highlighting the partnership’s role in combating the skills shortage crisis facing the industry.
“It’s great to see one of Australia’s major insurers getting behind the industry through this commitment to the ACIA,” said Faid, who is also the regional vice president for Australia, Asia, NZ at Fix Network. “It is a testament to their commitment to the long-term sustainability of the industry that Suncorp is the first insurer to become an ‘Industry Partner’ of the ACIA.”
As ACIA’s latest partner, Suncorp joins a range of other industry stakeholders across supply chain to enhance public awareness of the career opportunities available in collision repair. Other partners include parts companies, equipment suppliers, and repairers.
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