Nine of the heavy vehicle industry’s rising stars have been named as finalists in the apprentice categories of the 2026 HVIA National Awards.
The finalists represent three distinct trade pathways – Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice of the Year, Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year and Heavy Vehicle Specialist Trades Apprentice of the Year – reflecting the breadth of skills and careers that keep Australia’s heavy vehicle industry moving.
From workshops and manufacturing floors to field service and specialist trades, this year’s finalists have distinguished themselves through their technical development, initiative, attitude and commitment to their trade. They are also a reminder that there is no single pathway into a successful career in the heavy vehicle industry.
Each category winner will then be considered for the ultimate apprentice honour: HVIA Heavy Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – recognising an apprentice who not only excels in their chosen trade, but demonstrates the potential to make an enduring contribution to the industry.
The winners will be revealed at the 2026 HVIA National Awards Gala Dinner, to be held on Thursday, December 3 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Damon Baker – Volvo Group Australia
Damon’s apprenticeship has combined technical development in the workshop and at TAFE with a willingness to look beyond the immediate boundaries of his trade.
Alongside increasingly complex diagnostic and repair work, he took responsibility for an environmental recycling initiative covering electrical components and wiring. After completing his trade, Damon then stepped into a temporary Warranty Costing Clerk role with only a short handover, broadening his understanding of the business beyond the workshop. That breadth of experience gives him several potential pathways as his career develops.
Nathan Comitti – Cummins South Pacific
Nathan’s apprenticeship at Cummins Mildura has seen him progress rapidly into increasingly complex engine repair work, combining growing technical capability with an understanding of what matters to the customer – quality workmanship and getting equipment back to work.
His accelerated progression to trade sign-off reflects that development, while his adaptability and contribution to the workshop team have provided a strong foundation for the next stage of his career in heavy-engine service and repair.
Josh Compton – Volvo Group Australia
Josh joined Volvo Group Australia during the first year of his apprenticeship and has built a reputation for reliability, initiative and a willingness to tackle a broad range of workshop tasks.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him, Josh actively seeks ways to broaden his technical skills and experience. His willingness to learn, take responsibility and keep expanding his capabilities has positioned him well for continued development as a heavy vehicle technician.
Diesel Davis – IVECO Brisbane
Diesel came to his apprenticeship with a strong interest in heavy diesel mechanics and has embraced opportunities to turn that enthusiasm into practical capability.
At IVECO Brisbane he has become known for volunteering for unfamiliar tasks, seeking feedback and assistance when needed, and progressively taking on more challenging work. His approach reflects an apprentice focused not simply on completing his training, but on building the breadth of knowledge required for a long-term technical career.
Trent Horrex – Penske Australia
Growing up around his family’s transport business gave Trent an early connection with trucks, but his apprenticeship at Penske’s Wacol operation has also been a story of significant personal development.
After responding constructively to early feedback about workplace expectations and maturity, Trent has taken increasing ownership of his development and technical work. The result has been growing capability and confidence – and an apprenticeship journey that demonstrates the importance of being willing to listen, learn and grow.
Zeb Jewell – Volvo Group Australia
Zeb has built his technical capability around a methodical approach to diagnosis: start with the fundamentals, establish what is actually happening and only then move towards the more complex possibilities.
It is an approach that has helped him identify faults that can be missed when diagnosis jumps too quickly to major components. As his experience has grown, Zeb has progressed into customer-site and roadside work with increasing independence. Longer term, he hopes to repay the support he received during his apprenticeship by moving into leadership and mentoring roles of his own.
Shanay Jonker – Drake Trailers
An early interest in engineering and work experience with The Drake Group led Shanay into an apprenticeship as a Mechanical Fitter and Turner – and a career in the complex systems behind modern heavy-vehicle manufacturing.
Her experience now spans hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic trailer systems, with increasingly complex installation and diagnostic work. Shanay has also supported newer apprentices and stepped into acting team-lead responsibilities when required. Her ambition is to keep building her technical expertise before eventually using that experience to mentor and develop others.
Andrew Ouranios – Scania Australia
Andrew has approached his apprenticeship with a clear ambition: to understand heavy-diesel systems deeply enough to visualise what is happening inside them and diagnose the underlying cause of a fault.
At Scania, he has progressively taken on more difficult diagnostic work as his knowledge and confidence have grown. He is also recognised for supporting colleagues and responding positively to technicians, trainers and mentors – qualities that complement his developing technical expertise and open the door to further technical and leadership opportunities.
Clancy Reberger – Drake Trailers
Clancy’s pathway into heavy-vehicle fabrication began with work experience at The Drake Group while he was still in Year 11. Since beginning his apprenticeship, he has developed experience across different stages of trailer manufacture while putting additional effort into welding, fabrication and interpreting engineering drawings.
His contribution has also extended beyond his own trade development. Clancy supports other apprentices and became the business’s first Apprentice Health and Safety Representative. Looking ahead, he wants to continue developing as a fabricator before using that experience to help mentor the apprentices who follow him.
The winners of the 2026 Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia National Awards will be announced at the HVIA Gala Dinner on Thursday, December 3 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.