A shout out to our HVIA members CMV, WHG and Cummins for all exhibiting at the Trade and Tech Fit expo held in Melbourne on June 2-3. Advisory Board member Eleanor Heagerty from CMV Truck & Bus has provided the below account of the days.
The event attracted over 3,000 secondary school students from 157 schools across all of Victoria, making it one of the largest events of its kind. This was the fifth year the expo has been held and featured 98 exhibitors.
Discussions with the Department of Education also highlighted positive trends within our industry. Stats provided were that between 2022 and 2025, female participation in VCE VET automotive increased from 8.8 per cent (210 students) to 10.9 per cent (267 students), reflecting growing interest among young women in automotive pathways.
The event’s impact was particularly encouraging. Following the expo, 84 per cent of teachers said they were more likely to recommend trade and technology pathways to female and gender-diverse students. In addition, 93 per cent of students discovered career opportunities they had not previously considered, reinforcing the message that you can’t be what you can’t see.
The event continues to grow, with 27 new schools and 21 new exhibitors participating this year and I look forward to seeing the impact it has.
At the CMV Truck & Bus stand, we focused on creating a hands-on and engaging experience. Students participated in an engine torque challenge, explored a Volvo FH truck, tested an electrical circuit board activity, and took part in pop quiz questions while waiting for activities.
Although many attendees were Year 7 and Year 9 students, it was a fantastic opportunity to start conversations about careers in the heavy vehicle industry and the opportunities available through CMV Truck & Bus, including work experience and apprenticeship pathways. Planting a seed we hope to see the results of in the coming years.
One of the highlights was having our female apprentices at the stand. They were able to share their personal experiences, answer questions, and provide real-life examples of what it is like to build a career in our industry. Their involvement helped make the opportunities feel more relatable and achievable for the students attending.
Following the event, we are working on opportunities to enhance our presence at next year’s expo, with a focus on increasing engagement and further promoting career pathways within the heavy vehicle industry.
Many students took delight in jumping into the cab of a Volvo truck and participating in the engine torque wrench challenge across the two days. Some students travelled as far as Bairnsdale, Warrnambool and Albury just to attend the expo. Any HVIA members who are keen to be involved in the 2027 expo are encouraged to get in touch with r.michaud@hvia.asn.au.