Central Victorian Isuzu Ute technician Sam Nicholls has been judged the winner of the 2024 Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) national skills contest.
Nicholls triumphed over seven other finalists to secure the lead seat at the upcoming I-1 Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2025.
Tristen Wilson of Geraldton Isuzu Ute took second place in the national skills contest and will join Nicholls on the world stage in Thailand next year. Southland Isuzu Ute technician Glenn Punch took third place in the competition.
A group of 50 technicians was nominated from the Isuzu Ute dealer network to attend the national skills contest. After a comprehensive online test, the top eight moved on to the head-to-head finals hosted at the IUA head office on June 5 and 6, 2024.
Across the two days, the eight finalists completed six challenges, ranging from advanced engine diagnosis to vehicle inspection concerns.
Each trial simulated difficulties similar to what the technician may experience in their service centre and on the world stage at the upcoming international I-1 Grand Prix.
“The contest was one of the best I have been involved in, showcasing the exceptional talent of Isuzu Ute technicians from across Australia,” IUA senior aftersales learning and development manager John Jones says.
“I want to thank all the contestants for their hard work and dedication; their performances were outstanding, and the competition was incredibly close.”
“This is just the first step for the winners. They have a lot of work ahead of them as they prepare for the 2025 I-1 Grand Prix, but I am confident that they will continue to excel with their skill and determination,” he says.
The technician’s road to the I-1 Grand Prix through the national skills contest starts with completing a Bronze Certification, the first step towards Silver, Gold, and Master Certifications.
These technical qualifications combine practical experience and training program competency and are only attainable through the completion of IUA’s technical training curriculum, facilitated in Melbourne and Brisbane.
For three decades, the I-1 Grand Prix has showcased and recognised talent from around the globe, with Australia a regular top contender.
Blacklocks Isuzu Utes’ Peter Carter won the 2022 I-1 Grand Prix, besting 42 finalists from 21 countries in the 17th international competition.
Nicholls and Wilson are undertaking their Gold Certifications as they continue to hone their skills in preparation for the world stage. They hope to secure Australia’s first consecutive win in the global technical competition.
