2020 National Apprentice of the Year nominations

HVIA’s National Apprentice of the Year Award has been acknowledging outstanding apprentices for over 35 years.

The award is for an individual who has demonstrated advanced ability as they undergo their apprenticeship in a discipline relation to heavy vehicle repair, service or the manufacturing sector.

In addition, to the title, the Apprentice of the Year is invited to attend the Brisbane Truck Show including all flights, accommodation and expenses.

The 2019 winner was Mitcham Harper of Cummins South Pacific representing HVIA’s Southern Region.

  • North-Western Region winner: Waylon Tully from Cummins South Pacific
  • Eastern Region winner: Bill Thompson from Haulmark Trailers.

The award is sponsored by Warby Tools.

Pictured: (L-R) Doug Warby,  Mitcham Harper,  John Drake (HVIA President)


2020 National Apprentice of the Year nominees


Ashley Beeby

Cummins Laverton North

When Ashley Beeby was about to commence her VCE journey at the end of 2015, she hadn’t considered pathways other than university, until a fortuitous prod from a school career advisor.

Although small in stature, Ashley’s huge thirst for knowledge, desire to learn new things and ability to push herself out of her comfort zone, saw her undertake two impressive periods of work experience in the Cummins Laverton workshop.

Ashley accepted had already accepted an apprenticeship position with Cummins before graduating in the top 5% of Year twelve students in Victoria with an an ATAR of 95.

Ashley continues to impress her peers, colleagues and superiors with her dedication to the trade and her passion for encouraging others about the potential of working in the industry.


Oliver Burey

Volvo Group Australia Brisbane

Oliver Burey for a impresses with a number of rare qualities; he is a hard worker who does not need to justify himself to others.

He just quietly goes about his trade, often out performing tradesman around him in efficiency and job quality.

There is never any fuss or kick back to his supervisors and he is always showing a great attitude whether he is told to clean a bay down or carry out a clutch replacement.


Ryan Coxsen

Haulmark Trailers

Ryan Coxsen was enrolled in the Genr8 Program when he was placed with Haulmark Trailers in 2015 to complete a Certificate II in Logistics.

However instead of the spare parts department, he took on work experience in Haulmark’s repair workshop.

Ryan has shown an exceptional level of commitment to learning and an outstanding effort in achieving set tasks. His attention to safety has resulted in positive change to his employer’s Work Health and Safety Management systems.

Ryan consulted with the WHS Manager on essential changes to ensure workers are free from injury creating a safe working environment and subsequently became the Health and Safety Representative for the Repair Workshop.

Ryan was acknowledged as a standout student in HVIA’s Industry Ambassador Program in 2019, displaying great potential for success in his chosen career.


Joel Dunstan

Brown & Hurley Yatala

Joel Dunstan represents what every company is looking for in an apprentice. With a rural/trucking background, Joel has been brought up with a good work ethic helping his father with running and maintaining their fleet of trucks.

With this knowledge, when Joel first came to us as a 1st year apprentice he was already able to carry out basic repairs and servicing. He has now become a model technician with great diagnostic skills.

Joel is also an active member of his community including membership of the Gold Coast polocrosse club for the past 14 years and representing Queensland five times as a player.

Joel has now started mentoring new apprentices and was first to put his hand up to help guide this year’s apprentices through the first stages of their journey, helping them gain the skills needed.


Sam Fletcher

Brown & Hurley Toowoomba

Sam Fletcher’s ability to take on any task that is allocated to him, combined his desire to learn and ability to retain information, has made him a well respected heavy commercial technician and very reliable team member.

As early as the second year of his apprenticeship, Sam’s impressive diagnostic skills and customer relations was rewarded with his addition to the breakdown roster at Brown & Hurley.

Sam has approached this responsibility with a positive attitude and continues to go the extra mile with the customers interest being his priority every time.

He excels with driveline components, and SISU drive heads; In fact Sam has often trained tradesmen how to rebuild them. From minor repairs and servicing through to major overhauls, Sam reliably gives 100% on every job.


William Hancock

Scania Brisbane

Better known as Waldo, William Hancock has been with Scania a number of years now. He has essentially broken records within Scania, more or less completing his four year apprenticeship in three.

During Waldo’s apprenticeship interview, his eagerness to join the Scania team was very apparent.

“It’s not often you come across an individual like Waldo who is so eager to learn and participate,” his nomination explains. “So we jumped at the opportunity to have him on board.”


Mark Lalor

CMV Group

Mark Lalor has been an outstanding apprentice for Gippsland CMV and is a member of a fast track apprenticeship scheme run by CMV Truck & Bus.

Mark has been exemplary throughout his journey and has not only met all expectations, excelling in practical and theoretical assignments.

Throughout his apprenticeship Mark has been an outstanding example to others on time keeping and manners to others no matter their status.


David Lobo

CMV Group

David Lobo’s effort, initiative and all-round performance made him an obvious choice for nomination to the National Apprentice if the Year.

He is highly regarded for his fantastic ability to think “on the go” in the workshop and tirelessly helping out the whole team.

His general mechanical skills to move through this apprenticeship stride after stride, showing what he is capible of doing.

David has consistently demonstrated impressive concentration and willingness to help others along. He is always willing to give anything a go and applies himself with all tasks, both practical and classroom based theory.


Joseph Lucas

Brown & Hurley Yatala

Joseph Lucas is a determined and well-rounded apprentice. His constant need to upskill and enthusiasm for taking part in any and all available training programs has earned him considerable respect.

Joseph joined Brown and Hurley as a second-year apprentice, although his mechanical abilities were nothing short of someone finishing their third year.

He is always eager and willing to take on any job or fault thrown at him.

Joseph is consistently the first one standing and waiting to be handed a job in the morning, and one of the very last ones to leave once the day is over. He just wants to ensure the customer is left happy and the job is done to the highest of qualities.

Brown and Hurley Yatala believe the future is bright with apprentices like Joseph Lucas paving the way.


Hayden Rouse

Cummins Wodonga

Hayden Rouse’s career at Cummins Wodonga started back when he was in High School. He completed school based work experience, attending the branch for two days every week.

He also attended one week during his school holidays. This demonstrated to us his passion and drive for a career in the Heavy Vehicle Automotive industry.

Hayden completed all his Tafe competencies in 2 ½ years with a commitment to delivering exceptional work and demonstrating excellent technical aptitude.

Hayden has used his personal time to access the Cummins Virtual College, demonstrating his own personal drive and commitment to improve his knowledge and skills.

Hayden is a member of a charitable group the Mytleford Alpine Rally. The Rally has been operating for 5 years and has raised over $100,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation.


Scott Sullivan

Drake Trailers

A young man who impresses with his trustworthiness, attitude and integrity, Scott Sullivan started his journey with The Drake Group in 2016 after spending a short period working on a Cattle Station near Charters Towers.

In general life, Scott has matured a lot, showing confidence in himself and as part of a team structure.

As he entered his 4th year, Scott was rewarded with the additional responsibility of preparing jobs and laying them out – critical roles in building a quality trailer.

Over the past four years he has developed into a highly skilled 4th Year apprentice who will go on to become a quality tradesperson.


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