bmw Australia is expanding its award-winning #NextTech mentored apprenticeship programme as the country continues to grapple with a severe shortage of automotive technicians.
The expansion follows national recognition for the initiative, which received the Group Training Organisation Service Excellence Award at the Apprentice Employment Network’s annual training awards. bmw says the accolade reflects the programme’s growing impact, strong industry partnerships and its role in developing highly skilled technicians for an industry rapidly shifting toward electrification.
Since launching in 2021, the #NextTech programme has enrolled 167 light-vehicle apprentices nationwide, achieving retention rates above 80 per cent — well ahead of the national average of 50 per cent. The first cohort of 37 apprentices has now graduated with dual qualifications as light-vehicle technicians and automotive electricians.
Female participation in the programme stands at 12 per cent, significantly higher than the 2.6 per cent industry average for women in automotive trades.
Delivered in partnership with NextGen Jobs and Bendigo Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, the programme combines bmw-specific training, hands-on workshop experience and one-on-one mentoring designed to accelerate career pathways.
“Joining the bmw NextTech program as a woman in a non-traditional trade was an incredible opportunity,” apprentice Sophia Kim says.
“The ongoing support and mentoring made all the difference — I always felt encouraged, capable, and confident in achieving my goals. Becoming the first female technician to qualify through Brisbane bmw is something I’m truly proud of.”
bmw Group Australia general manager of aftersales Brett Hocking says the programme is playing a crucial role in addressing a nationwide shortage.
“Australia is facing a severe shortage of automotive technicians, with nearly 40,000 skilled roles unfilled nationwide,” Hocking says.
“The bmw #NextTech program demonstrates our commitment to helping develop the industry, upskill apprentices, and prepare the next generation of automotive technicians for the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry that includes electrification.”
The programme allows apprentices to complete a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology within three years while working toward bmw Registered Technician Certification. Many extend into a fourth year to qualify as automotive electricians, specialising in high-voltage systems.
Graduates say the depth of training has been transformational.
“The bmw NextTech program helped me to grow and push myself to become the technician I am today,” graduate Al Gonzalez says.
Travis Taylor, another graduate, says the programme offers a learning environment that “stands apart from conventional TAFE programs”.
“Training under experienced technicians in the same field, along with specialised bmw training, allowed me to pick up valuable skills and directly apply them to my role,” he says.
From 2026, bmw will broaden the programme to include body repair and bmw Motorrad training pathways. A new bmw Brand Immersion Scholarship will also send two apprentices each year to Munich for an exclusive learning experience.
NextGen Jobs head of business and operations Andrew Robson says the programme sets a benchmark for addressing industry-wide skills shortages.
“The programme’s success in generating strong demand from both apprentices and industry provides a blueprint for how to address skills gap challenges,” Robson says.
Automobile Magazine-AU
