Four finalists have been named in the Industry Workforce Champion Award category of the 2025 Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia National Awards.
This award recognises an individual within an HVIA member organisation who has shown outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment in building the next generation of the heavy vehicle workforce.
They may be a trainer, mentor, program leader, workforce development manager, or a hands-on champion whose efforts have enabled apprenticeships, traineeships, mentoring, school engagement or other career pathway initiatives to flourish.
This award honours the people who make workforce development not just possible – but powerful, personal and lasting.
Shenee Cave: The Drake Group
A transformative force in workforce development, Shenee Cave has led the design and delivery of The Drake Group’s in-house apprenticeship program, embedding recognition, safety and support into every stage of the apprentice journey. Her initiatives – including monthly safety training, team-building activities, and the Apprentice of the Year award – have created a culture of belonging, motivation and continuous learning.
Shenee’s partnerships with trade schools and her hands-on mentorship have boosted retention, strengthened community ties and built a sustainable talent pipeline. Her leadership has formalised a program that continues to evolve, ensuring apprentices are not only skilled, but confident, connected and future-ready.
Kate Evans: Cummins South Pacific
A Global Training Consultant at Cummins South Pacific, Kate Evans is a driving force behind inclusive, future-focused workforce development in the heavy vehicle industry. From designing Cummins’ Capability Training Program to leading national partnerships with Technical Education for Communities, HVIA and Trades Women Australia, Kate has shaped programs that improve apprentice retention, accelerate progression and expand access for underrepresented groups.
Under Kate’s leadership, female representation in Cummins’ apprentice cohort has reached 30 per cent, and key initiatives have earned national recognition, including bronze at the Australian Training Awards. Her collaborative, values-led approach continues to influence industry standards, unify training across regions, and inspire the next generation of technicians.
Samantha Hall: The Drake Group
A driving force behind inclusive workforce development, Samantha Hall (pictured above) is reshaping the heavy vehicle industry through mentoring, school engagement and cultural change. She leads The Drake Group’s apprenticeship mentor program, supports initiatives like Glenala’s “Women Who Weld,” and mentors emerging talent through MSQ’s Women in Manufacturing.
Her efforts have boosted female apprentice retention, inspired leadership investment in structured mentoring and positioned the business as a future-focused, inclusive employer.
By embedding long-term partnerships and scalable programs, Samantha is creating a legacy of workforce development that will outlast any single role – and redefine what leadership looks like in our industry.
Mitchell Howard: Cooler
A catalyst for long-term capability, Mitchell Howard has transformed Cooler’s approach to apprentice development through structured training, mentoring and school engagement. His initiatives – including milestone assessments, dynamic intake models, and tailored elective units – have lifted apprentice completion rates from 50 per cent to over 90 per cent in just three years.
Mitchell’s calm leadership and technical depth have embedded a culture of learning across Cooler’s teams. By aligning workforce development with commercial outcomes, he’s built systems that grow talent, reduce rework and improve morale – creating a legacy of practical excellence and sustainable growth.
The winners of the 2025 Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia National Awards will be announced at the HVIA 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner to be held on Thursday, December 4 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Buy tickets here.
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