Australia’s heavy vehicle industry continues to grapple with a well-documented shortage of qualified diesel technicians, making initiatives that attract, develop and retain skilled tradespeople increasingly important.
Against that backdrop, the 2025 Isuzu Trucks National Technical Skills Competition (NTSC) brought together the best technicians and apprentices from across the Isuzu dealer network, testing their knowledge, diagnostic ability and composure under pressure.
Held at the Isuzu Australia Limited training facility in Melbourne, the annual competition challenged competitors with a combination of written examinations and intensive practical tasks. Participants were required to diagnose complex faults across engine management, electrical systems and chassis components, working against the clock on Isuzu MY25 N Series trucks.
Brett Stewart, Head of Aftersales at Isuzu Australia Limited, said the competition plays a critical role in addressing the industry’s skills gap.
“With an ageing workforce and growing technological complexity, programs like the NTSC are vital,” Stewart said.
“We’re not just testing skills; we’re actively incentivising the deep technical expertise our industry relies on and showcasing the incredible career opportunities available.”
After a full day of high-pressure competition, Rajveer Singh from Ballarat Isuzu in Victoria claimed first place, with Brad Hickey from Double R Isuzu in Tamworth, New South Wales, finishing a close second.
Stewart said the inclusion of new-generation vehicles added another layer of difficulty.
“The addition of our new model trucks to the practical exam was a bit of a curveball for all of our competitors, as many have yet to have real-world experience working on these models back in their workshops,” he said.
“Raj and Brad’s performances are a testament to the high calibre of technicians we have across our network.”
In the apprentice category, Mattiese Edwards from Ballarat Isuzu secured first place, while William Khin from Wester Trucks finished second.
Singh said the win followed years of commitment to the competition.
“The exams were nerve-wracking, and I was nervous, but getting this result after all that hard work is an incredible feeling,” he said.
“Engaging in competitions like this is worth every bit of effort—it pushes you to learn and improves your skills, which is exactly what our industry needs.”
Hickey, a seasoned competitor and past international representative, said the unfamiliar vehicles forced a disciplined approach.
“This forced us to go back to basics, remember our processes and tackle each problem methodically,” he said.
The NTSC also serves as the qualifying pathway for the global stage. The top two finishers will now enter a dedicated training program ahead of representing Australia at the Isuzu Motors Limited World Technical Competition (I-1 Grand Prix) in Japan in 2026.
With the national event concluded, attention now turns to preparing Australia’s representatives to compete against technicians from more than 30 Isuzu markets worldwide, carrying the expectations of the local dealer network onto the international stage.
