Eight Isuzu Trucks technicians and eight apprentices found themselves tested against their colleagues, the clock and ultimately themselves at the 2023 National Technical Skills Competition (NTSC), held on November 29.
The annual competition forms part of Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) full-circle approach of investing in and developing its people.
IAL congratulated all participants and announced the top two finalists, Jason Lee from Road Runner Mechanical Services and Connor Gillam from Major Motors, both hailing from Western Australia.
“I am so pleased to congratulate our two top finalists Jason and Connor, and to see the high calibre of apprentices and service technicians that have come through to the final stage of the National Technical Skills Competition,” IAL head of aftersales Brett Stewart says.
“This competition encourages technicians to challenge themselves personally but also has a positive flow on effect for the dealerships and Isuzu customers who benefit from their expertise.”
After rigorous training and a qualifying round, the field for this year’s NTSC was:
Technician’s Round:
| NAME | DEALERSHIP | STATE |
| Jason Lee Connor Gillam | Road Runner Mechanical Services Major Motors | WA |
| Albert Cho James Keyte | Westar Truck Centre Ballarat Isuzu | VIC |
| Nathan Stiff Tilly Herbertson | Midcoast Trucks Gilbert & Roach Isuzu | NSW |
| Anthony Pickering Joshua Mortimer | Black Truck Sales Northern Rivers Isuzu | QLD |
Apprentice’s Round:
| NAME | DEALERSHIP | STATE |
| Jacob Newberry Blake Brown | North East Isuzu Major Motors | SA WA |
| Matthew Dinola Kim Coronacion | Patterson Cheney Trucks Bendigo Isuzu | VIC |
| Thomas Dixon Hayden Banton | Midcoast Trucks Gilbert & Roach Isuzu | NSW |
| James Boyce Lukas McNabb | Black Truck Sales Northern Rivers Isuzu | QLD |
The 2023 NTSC followed the format of previous years, involving a written examination and a series of high-pressure practical tests under the judges eyes.
This year’s competition emphasised the need for technicians to be able to respond quickly to new challenges and the emergent technology applying to Isuzu Trucks product.
Stewart says he was impressed with the level of knowledge and rigour applied to solving these complex problems.
“These are the people who operate behind garage doors, behind the scenes, but there’s no other group within the business with more knowledge of the product and how it’s being used.
“From what I have seen with those participating in the competition—it leaves me with no doubt that the Isuzu Australia network has the right workforce, with the right skills to meet the challenges of the future,” Stewart says.
For the two finalists of the technician’s round, a more immediate challenge will be competing as Team Australia in the international I-1 Grand Prix, which will be held in Japan next year.
Winner, winner
“Road Runner Mechanical Services in Geraldton is a relative newcomer to the Isuzu network, so it’s great to be a part of the experience,” Lee says.
“I haven’t been to Japan before, so this is an amazing opportunity to visit and take part in the I-1 Grand Prix,” he says.
“It was my goal to reach Japan and compete in the I-1 Grand Prix, but I did not honestly expect to take out one of the top spots,” Gillam says.
“Working with trucks is my thing and I want to stay in the game for as long as possible… this event has been really motivating and I am stoked to have the chance to compete,” he says.
Apprentices on the up
The two top scoring contestants from the apprentice round were Matthew Dinola from Patterson Cheney Trucks in Victoria and Kim Coronacion from Bendigo Isuzu.
“Congratulations to all our apprentices who trained so hard and did us proud at the event,” Stewart says.
“As a former service technician, myself, it always brings me great pleasure to see how events like this highlight the value of service techs and apprentices in this industry, while also providing a platform for our young people to network.
“With many students just now graduating from high school and looking towards their future, this is a timely reminder that a career as a service technician can come with many exciting moments and opportunities.
“Especially for those who might be considering a career as an Isuzu technician—and all the benefits that come with working alongside Australia’s number one truck brand,” he says.
