Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
Last month, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week - a reminder of how apprenticeships shape industries, fuel careers, and strengthen our workforce. But their impact goes far beyond a single week. We take this opportunity to shine a light on two exceptional apprentices, who are not only excelling in their roles, but are leading examples of the value of apprenticeships as a pathway to a rewarding career.
Meet Jordan and Sebastian - two third-year apprentices from TAS Trucks who are not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.
Meet Jordan: Transforming Passion into Profession
At just 20 years old, Jordan is a standout in the Truck and Material Handling side of TAS Trucks. Jordan's journey into his apprenticeship began in Year 11, where the traditional school route didn't resonate with him. Jordan reflects, “I was at college, but I just thought it wasn’t for me”– a feeling many school goers can relate too. An interest in mechanics was cultivated by the frequent repairs needed by his own four-wheel drive. From there, Jordan realised he could forge a path in the automotive industry.
After engaging with a business on seek, Jordan learned about the practicality of apprenticeships and was encouraged to apply. “They were telling me the benefits, like getting a trade cert that’s nationally recognised, so you’ve got a good career path going there.” Jordan was later invited to have an interview with TAS Trucks, formally FRM, and was eager to make the swap.
Currently in his third year, he has demonstrated an incredible ability to handle a variety of servicing and repair tasks in the field, primarily working as a mobile technician. “The best feeling is going somewhere and there’s a machine struggling, and you get it up and running for them. You just feel like you’ve done a great job.”
What’s more impressive? Jordan is well ahead in his TAFE coursework, having already completed some of his fourth-year units. “I was always a bit of a nerd on the books” he jokes. “I get to get a break from work and still get paid to just learn. It’s good to have a sound knowledge of the background of what's going on, especially because you don't always get the opportunity to do everything at work” Jordan shares.
Meet Sebastian: The Fastest Service Time In The Country
19-year-old Sebastian; also a third-year apprentice, specialises in the workshop side of the business.
Seb’s journey into the industry began when he was searching for options after finishing school. “I was planning on getting a full-time job at the end of grade 10, but didn’t have an idea of what I wanted to do.” In the wake of undergoing work experience with TAS Trucks, the company reached out just a few weeks later, offering him a start date as an apprentice. “I had the odd experience on just a basic service of a car. But previous to that, I haven’t had any experience outside of this place” he recalls.
Since then, Sebastian’s apprenticeship with TAS Trucks has offered him quality hands-on experience, further enhanced by extra technical training at Hino Australia’s training centre. While attending a specialised training program in Launceston, Sebastian achieved the title of fastest service time with a remarkable 2.1 hours to complete a 6.1/6.7 hour service. Sebastian's service began with an initial time of 4.7 hours. But with regional service manager Jarrod’s guidance and training, Sebastian was able to significantly reduce his time. “I wasn’t trying to break any records.. I wasn’t trying to be better than anybody. I just wanted to show that it was possible, and that I could do it.” This achievement is a true testament to the effectiveness of practical training, and the fast-paced development that apprenticeships permit.
The apprenticeship experience:
With National Apprenticeship week only just behind us, the theme "Skills in Motion" encapsulates the young men’s apprenticeship journey, as they’ve taken ownership of their career trajectory, embracing each learning opportunity that has propelled them forward.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his apprenticeship, Jordan recognises the confidence it's given him in tackling new challenges. “The ability to be able to go into things with a good mindset of being able to work it out. It's given me a good mechanical and problem-solving understanding of just things in general away from trucks and forklifts.”
Sebastian shares a similar sentiment, reflecting on how his apprenticeship has shaped his skills and career path - “I learnt new skills that I probably wouldn't have had, if things didn't play out the way they did. Everything sort of just fell perfectly in place.”
Both Jordan and Sebastian are appreciative of the support and guidance from their mentors, peers, and TAS Trucks at large. “There’s about 8 of us, and not single one of us has come from the same place as the others. So lots of different around that we share with each other” Jordan remarks. Sebastian gives a special nod to his foreman Hayden, emphasising the important role mentors play in supporting mentees both professionally and personally. “I look up to him like nobody else. I would not be here without him.”
A Bright Future In the Industry
In terms of future plans, Sebastian is eager to continue developing his skills at TAS Trucks, with aspirations of taking on leadership roles down the track. As for Jordan, he stays open minded to the endless opportunities his apprenticeship certification could present.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering an apprenticeship, Jordan keeps it simple. “There's no harm in applying for a job…. just see what is around that you can get an opportunity to just try out.” Sebastian adds “if you’re ever in doubt, just go out and ask for some help”; a piece of advice for young people that resonates beyond apprenticeships.
Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals
In conjunction with-on-the job learning, plus accredited training from their local training provider, apprentices at Hino dealerships are provided with additional training opportunities that focus on Hino-specific systems.
Hino Australia’s Technical training manager Angelo Anitsakis speaks on the value of investing in enhanced training for apprentices, sharing “Apprentices are Hino’s future and the future of our industry in general. Without qualified technicians to service, maintain and repair the vehicles, the truck industry would stop, and as a domino effect, supply shortages and price increases would follow.”
Beyond technical training, apprentices at Hino also benefit from hands-on mentorship, learning directly from seasoned professionals. “The most rewarding part of having apprentices, is watching them grow into people who eventually become better than yourself” Angelo observes. “Watching them use the skills and knowledge that has been taught over the years and watching them do things in their own, more efficient way.”
The journeys of Jordan and Sebastian demonstrate the value of apprenticeships in offering young people a solid pathway from school to work, a way to learn, earn, and gain valuable experience - all at once. From conquering the basics, to handling real-world situations, these young men have approached their day-to-days as apprentices with grit, determination, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, take inspiration from Jordan and Sebastian - your future in the industry starts here!
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