HVIA CEO Endures Cold + Mud To Promote HV Careers

Promoting careers in the heavy vehicle industry is a long-standing priority for HVIA and last week CEO Todd Hacking was challenged by Shay Chalmers, CEO of long-term member GLT, to put his money where his mouth was.

The Australian Industry Trade College ‘Rookies Challenge’ had been set. Joining 133 young people setting off on their journey to become tradespeople, Todd participated in a series of challenges set to form bonds, in keeping with the ANZAC spirit – including four cold nights at the base of the Toowoomba Range.

Staged at Emu Gully Adventure Education Camp in Helidon Spa just south of Toowoomba, the challenge on ‘industry’ day was for ‘companies’ of about 20 people to carry a young person on a stretcher through roughly 100m of muddy logs, mounds and obstacles along the way – all the while ensuring the safety of the ‘patient’.

GLT CEO Shay Chalmers (left) and HVIA CEO Todd Hacking (right) particpating in last week’s ‘Rookies Challenge’

In addition to helping the young people through this challenge, Shay Chalmers organised a GLT trailer to be on site to highlight the importance of Australian manufacturing and the crucial trades that help GLT and the broader heavy vehicle industry deliver world-class products.

GLT customer Dallas Kropp of Daltrans Bulk Haulage added to the story by sharing his insights into running a transport business and a career in an industry that touches all major sectors of the Australian economy. The truck and trailer combination on show carts grain from farm to the Brisbane Port.

Todd rounded out the presentation by highlighting all the other members in the heavy vehicle supply chain that enabled this particular vehicle to safely arrive on site, including a Kenworth c509, Cummins engine, Hendrickson axles, Alcoa wheels, Bridgestone tyres, Icepack air-conditioning unit, Jost landing legs and coupling – just to name a few of the visible brands that demonstrate the breadth of the industry.

GLT customer Dallas Kropp of Daltrans Bulk Haulage shared his insights into running a transport business

So how was the experience? “Beyond cold, mud got in places I don’t wish to articulate, and a week later I’m still bearing the scars of some bumps and scratches,” Todd recalls.

Would he do it again? “In a heartbeat. The sense of accomplishment on the faces of these young people will stay with them for a number of years. I just hope they choose a heavy vehicle career in the interim,” he says.

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