The combined Victorian and Tasmanian team of Aaron Krause from Motors Pty Ltd in Tasmania and Josh Mitchell from Bayswater Truck Centre in Victoria has won the inaugural National Apprentice Challenge.

For their exceptional effort in the winning competition both Aaron and Josh will be jetting off to the United States accompanied by Truckin’ Life’s Managing Editor Jim Gibson, to visit a US truck show as well as truck equipment suppliers and dealers courtesy of major sponsors Kenworth Trucks and the Kenworth Dealer Group.

The competition was a team event organised by the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association Queensland (CVIAQ) Service Managers’ Council and was aimed at identifying Australia’s best heavy vehicle apprentices by testing their diagnostic skills and knowledge.

The CVIAQ’s CEO Brett Wright said “that this major initiative as a nationally recognised industry event is focussed on promoting careers in the road transport industry. Heavy vehicle technicians of today are highly skilled and the National Apprentice Challenge is a great way of demonstrating those skills and the rewarding career path the industry can offer to the general public.” Our thanks go to major sponsors Kenworth Trucks and the Kenworth Dealer Group for their generous support in making this national event possible.”

“The first stage of the National Apprentice Challenge, a qualifying theory test, was held on Thursday 22nd March 2007,” said Mr Wright. The electronic test was co-ordinated nationally by TAFE Queensland’s SkillsTech Australia with all nominees simultaneously sitting the exam.

Teams consisting of the two top scoring apprentices from each region were then flown to and accommodated in Brisbane during the show courtesy of major sponsors, CVIAQ, Kenworth and the Kenworth Dealer Group.

The six teams that competed each represented one of the following regions: Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales/ACT, Victoria/Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

The two heats and the grand final were held over two days using identical Kenworth T404 SAR trucks with a series of demanding faults set in the vehicles by the judges.

“The competition was extremely close and after the ninety minute final the second and third places were only decided after a count back on points from the earlier heats.” Clear winners though were the combined Victorian and Tasmanian team.”

The runner-up positions were filled by the Western Australian team of Ben Burrows - Kenworth DAF WA and Aaron Hill - Kenworth DAF WA in second place. Third place team was the New South Wales pairing of Mark Bromley - Cummins South Pacific and Sean Hall - Suttons Motors Arnecliffe.

The second prize winners will be flown to Alice Springs to attend the National Road transport Hall of Fame celebrations in August. The two members of the third placed team each received a lap top computer.

All finalists not only received a lap top computer but also tool kits courtesy of long time CVIAQ and industry supporter Warby Tools.

For further information visit www.truckandmachineryshow.com.au, or contact:

FOR EDITORIAL COMMENT CONTACT:
Mr. Brett Wright CEO CVIAQ
Phone: 07 3376 6266
Mobile: 0419 716 050

David Sweedman
CVIAQ Media and Promotions Co-ordinator 
2007 Queensland Truck and Machinery Show.
mailto:d.sweed@bigpond.net.au
Mobile: 0431 604 094