PUTTING ISUZU TRUCKS’ BEST TO THE TEST

Jul 14, 2022 • 0 min read

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A group of Isuzu Trucks automotive technicians and apprentices are gearing up for an exciting battle of skills in Melbourne later this month. Up for grabs is the chance for two technicians to compete against Isuzu technicians from around the world at the famed I-1 Grand Prix (I-1 GP) in November. Earlier in July, 63 technicians and apprentices took part in an online qualifier event that tested the automotive knowledge and skills of apprentices and technicians through a one-hour written exam, while the technicians went on to do three 10-minute virtual failure diagnostic exercises. Eight technicians and apprentices are now bound for Melbourne to compete in the National Technical Skills Competition on July 27. On the day, the competitors will undertake a one-hour written exam and a one-hour on-vehicle exercise. Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) National Training Manager David Smith said the National Technical Skills Competition was a fantastic opportunity for technicians and apprentices to showcase their skills. “Supporting our technicians is crucial, given the shortage of skilled workers in the industry in Australia and globally,” Mr Smith said. Earlier this year, Australia’s National Skills Commission said its latest assessment of skill shortages found that 42 per cent of technician and trade occupations are in shortage, compared to 19 per cent of all occupations in shortage. Pre-covid, the annual I-1 GP was held in Japan since 2006 but this year the event is once again a virtual competition. IAL’s team won the international competition in 2011, and made podium finishes in six more of international events. “The National Technical Skills Competition, the I-1 GP and the Walkinshaw Andretti United V8 supercar pit crew experience are some of the fantastic skill-building experiences for technicians at Isuzu,” Mr Smith said. “These experiences are in addition to the regular training undertaken by Isuzu Trucks technicians to update their knowledge of vehicle inspections, diagnosis, repairs and systems management.” The eight technicians who will compete for a place on the I-1 Grand Prix team at the national competition are:

Name	Dealership	State
Kaylem Brown	Canberra Isuzu, Queanbeyan	NSW
Brad Hickey	Peel Valley Isuzu, Tamworth	NSW
Joshua Mortimer	Northern Rivers Isuzu, Lismore	NSW
Boyd Mole	Brisbane Isuzu, Archerfield	QLD
Justyn Walker	Westar Truck Centre, Derrimut	VIC
Louis Holt	Bendigo Isuzu, Bendigo	VIC
Jordan Jeffers	North East Isuzu, Burton	SA
Kaiden Hayter	South West Isuzu, Picton	WA

The eight apprentices who will compete are:

Name	Dealership	State
Tom O’Connor	Gilbert & Roach Isuzu, Hexham	NSW
Pradeep Siddiki	Suttons Motors Arncliffe, Arncliffe	NSW
James Boyce	Black Truck Sales, Toowoomba	QLD
Cory John	Brisbane Isuzu, Archerfield	QLD
Matthew Dinola	Patterson Cheney Trucks, Dandenong	VIC
Sammy Allan	Ballarat Isuzu, Wendouree	VIC
Jaiden McManus	North East Isuzu, Burton	SA
Johnathon Kurthy	Major Motors, Forrestfield	WA

All 16 competitors have won their choice of either a Milwaukee 18v Fuel 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench Kit or a Milwaukee 18v Fuel One-Key 3/4" High Torque Impact Wrench Kit. The top two highest-scoring technicians and the top two scoring apprentices at the National Technical Skills competition will also win thousands of dollars’ worth of Snap-On tools.

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