Australia’s automotive industry is facing one of its biggest long-term challenges: attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled technicians

As vehicle technology continues to evolve and experienced tradespeople retire from the workforce, the industry’s future depends on creating stronger pathways for young people to discover the opportunities that exist within automotive.
GearUP Auto Careers is an industry initiative powered by Mechanic.com.au, which has been designed to help connect students, career seekers, and future technicians with the automotive industry through engaging, real-world experiences, and industry collaboration.
Through careers expos, digital media, workshop engagement, industry storytelling, and hands-on activations, GearUP Auto Careers aims to reshape perceptions around automotive careers and showcase the modern opportunities available across the sector.
The program has already engaged thousands of young Australians across multiple states, giving them direct access to workshops, brands, technicians, apprentices, and industry leaders.
Importantly, initiatives like GearUP are only possible through collaboration across the broader automotive industry.
Castrol says this is just part of the reason why it has been an active supporter of Mechanic.com.au and the GearUP Auto Careers initiative, helping to drive industry engagement and awareness around the importance of investing in future talent.
“The automotive industry is one of the most dynamic industries in Australia, with an incredible variety of opportunities available,” Castrol Automotive Marketing Manager, Jan Willink, said.
“But unfortunately, the skills shortage we’ve seen within automotive in Australia means more work is needed to showcase these opportunities to the next generation of professionals.”
As one of the industry’s most recognised lubricant brands, Castrol understands that the future of the automotive aftermarket relies not only on advancing vehicle technology but also on ensuring there is a strong pipeline of skilled people entering and staying within the trade.
“Castrol is proud to stand behind and support the amazing work being done by the Mechanic.com.au team through the GearUP Auto Careers initiative,” Jan said.
“The automotive industry has long been built on mentorship, shared knowledge and community. Programs like GearUP Auto Careers are designed to strengthen that connection between today’s industry and the next generation that will carry it forward.”
Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers.
It says its passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants, coolants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and in space for over 125 years.
Castrol serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors.
Its branded products are recognised globally for innovation and high performance through its commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.

To learn more about GearUP Auto Careers, visit www.gearup.careers

For more from Castrol, visit www.castrol.com.au