This year’s HVIA National Awards feature an expansion to three apprentice categories and over the next three weeks, we will announce the finalists in each.
Today we are delighted to announce the inaugural finalists for the HVIA Apprentice Trailer & Body Builder of the Year Award.
Australia’s world-class heavy vehicle manufacturing industry depends on our emerging talent pool, with the skills to produce innovative and productive vehicles, built to tackle Australia’s unique and diverse freight task; this award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated advanced ability as they undergo their apprenticeship in a discipline related to heavy vehicle manufacture.
Congratulations to 2024 finalists:
- Samantha Hall – The Drake Group (Qld)
- Danny Spurr – Freighter Group (Vic)
- Anthony Xavier – Cooler (Qld)
Thanks to HVIA Principal Partner and National Awards major sponsor National Transport Insurance and TruckAssist, winners of the three apprentice award categories will each win a hosted VIP experience at the Gold Coast 500 Supercars event.
Samantha Hall
The Drake Group (Qld)
Apart from her exceptional technical aptitude, the Drake Group nominated Samantha for her impressive resilience and dedication throughout her apprenticeship, paving the way for future generations of women in the heavy fabrication sector.
Samantha has embraced a mentorship role – guiding and inspiring other aspiring female apprentices. Samantha says it best herself:
“In the next five years, I want to be in a leadership position, fostering greater inclusivity for women in the workplace and bring in a fresh perspective for the frontline team,” Samantha says.
“My long-term career goal is to lead the Drake Group’s mentorship program for future women in trade. By achieving this, I will inspire and support the next generation of female apprentices by helping them navigate and succeed in the heavy fabrication industry.”
Danny Spurr
Freighter Group (Vic)
Freighter Group nominated Danny Spurr for his exemplary commitment to safety, innovation, and production.
His employer has been impressed by Danny’s dedication to developing his technical knowledge and skills.
Not only has Danny excelled in all the training requirements throughout his apprenticeship, he also eagerly embraces all opportunities to share his learning with others and displays an aptitude for guiding our new team members and supporting fellow apprentices.
Danny completed his apprenticeship in July and, recognised as an invaluable asset to the Freighter team, transitioned seamlessly into a full-time position.
“Now that I have completed my apprenticeship, I want to use the skills and knowledge that I have gained to hopefully progress into the engineering field,” Danny says.
“I want to learn as much as I can about the engineering discipline and by having the technical background, I feel I will be able to progress with an open and practical mindset.
“I received a lot of help and support throughout my time as an apprentice and I would like to pass that on to the next generation of fabricators.”
Anthony Xavier
Cooler (Qld)
Cooler sings the praises of Anthony Xavier for his exceptional dedication, rapid skill development, and positive impact on his team.
They say his aptitude for bodybuilding, and quick mastery of complex concepts applies to all his work, produced at a consistently high rate of output and quality.
Anthony is ambitious and intends to make a significant impact within the bodybuilding industry.
“I aim to deepen my technical expertise in fibreglassing and innovative production methods,” he says.
“My goal is to become a recognised expert, driving technological advancements – I feel I can do that at Cooler through the new management team in place.
“I aspire to take on leadership roles, leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and eventually stepping into a managerial position.
“Being involved in cutting-edge projects that leverage emerging technologies is a priority, contributing to innovative solutions that add significant value to the business.”