CASE STUDIES

A focus on our supplier's future

Some of IAG's major suppliers operate in industries that are experiencing skills shortages, particularly in relation to attracting young, talented people into the industry. This affects the smash repair and construction industries in particular. We recognise we have a role to play in ensuring the sustainability of these industries, not only for their own survival, but also in order for us to be able to deliver on our promise to our customers in the future.

We are working to ensure the sustainability of these industries through developing and funding skilling programmes. These are aimed at encouraging Australia's young people to consider these industries as career options. Our programmes help equip young people with the skills they need to kick-start their careers.

Jumpstart Autobody Traineeships and Scholarships

Through our retail brands NRMA Insurance, SGIO and SGIC and our joint venture with Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), we contribute to a national programme aimed at encouraging high school students and young people to begin a career in the smash repair industry. The programme puts trainees into apprenticeships where they can benefit from a combination of on-the-job and TAFE training. We are contributing $7.4 million nationally to the programme, which will create around 400 smash repair traineeships over the next four years.

John Walker from Walker Crash Repairs in Prospect, South Australia, is a keen supporter of the Jumpstart Autobody Traineeship programme.

"I've got two Jumpstart trainees on board at the moment. I've found the skills they are coming to us with are really beneficial and they are productive as soon as they come on the floor. Their commitment is really high and they complement our business very nicely," he explains.

In fact, John thinks so highly of the programme, his son is enrolled as a trainee this year.

At Tamworth TAFE College, in rural New South Wales, 11 young indigenous students are participating in the first pilot regional scholarship programme.

Phil, IAG's New South Wales Industry Development Manager, says, "The Tamworth programme has been set up specifically for indigenous young people who show interest in the programme. We are supporting both the industry and employment in local community."

Young people or their parents who want to find out more can also visit www.jumpstartyourcareer.com.au for more information.

Support of Construction Industry Training Council

In 2005, NRMA Insurance, in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC), launched a three-year commitment to sponsor awards recognising and rewarding the outstanding performance of local apprentices. The CITC is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1988 to improve training in the national building and construction industry.