Top-quality equipment is engineered to stay ‘on the job’ and work hard, day in and day out, for many years without issue. Of course, proper maintenance and servicing is key and with that comes the need for passionate truck technicians.
The Australian trade shortage extends well beyond the construction sector, affecting dealerships and workshops around the country too. Finding and keeping good apprentices, technicians and support staff is difficult.
Isuzu Trucks has taken a unique approach when nurturing and retaining talent across its national dealer network, offering dynamic opportunities for technical staff to elevate their potential while having a bit of fun.
An enhanced training program for service technicians working at Isuzu Trucks dealerships encompasses a range of hands-on opportunities, but also includes a once-in-a-lifetime experience working at the Repco Supercars Championship.
This year Isuzu’s Supercars experience for technicians launched with the help of PremiAir Nulon Racing, a team who’s on-track performance is providing inspiration for apprentices and experienced technicians alike.
Techs rewarded
This year a total of 16 Isuzu technicians are joining the PremiAir Nulon Racing team at events across the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship calendar and at the team’s headquarters at the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Discussing the high-octane experience, Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Head of Aftersales Brett Stewart explains the ethos behind the annual program.
“At the end of the day, we’re the number one truck seller in Australia and we want to be leading the pack not only with fantastic products, but also in aftersales, where our technicians form an integral part of the team,” said Mr Stewart.
“With almost 100,000 Isuzu trucks in operation on the roads over the last 10 years, the need to attract and retain talented technicians into our industry has never been greater.
“The goal of these training programs is to foster some of the best talent for our dealer network—and see all the benefits of this type of hands-on learning flow-through to support our customers.”
High stakes service
Those chosen to participate in the experience were nominated for showing a high level of dedication and support to their Isuzu dealership and customers.
The 16 technicians will assist PremiAir Nulon pit crew with general operations, while being fully immersed in the high stakes environment of running repairs and service on race cars – against the clock.
For hosts PremiAir Nulon Racing, having an extra set of hands and some added enthusiasm is a welcome addition, according to Chief Mechanic, Andrew Bell.
“It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, ask plenty of questions, and get full exposure to what’s involved in the operation of a Supercars team,” said Mr Bell.
“Some of the technicians we have hosted have converted the experience to a full-time position within the industry, but this is more about generating enthusiasm to continue their work in what is a critical aspect of the heavy vehicle sector.”
Thrills for skills
PremiAir Racing has hosted two technicians at race events this year already—in Darwin, Townsville and Sydney—plus two technicians at the team workshop following those rounds.
Technician Zac Spalding from Blacklocks Isuzu in Wodonga says he was stoked to have the chance to learn the ropes from a fully-fledged race team.
“Just the speed and everyone knowing what to do throughout the weekend was really exciting to be a part of,” said Mr Spalding.
“The team works quickly, but precisely, and there is constant communication between everyone to ensure that things run smoothly.”
Likewise, apprentice technician Rochelle Magnussen from Brisbane Isuzu Stapylton geared up for the experience, noting that preparation was a key lesson learned for keeping the race team ticking.
“The biggest thing I took away from the opportunity was how planning makes everything far more straightforward,” said Ms Magnussen.
“I can definitely apply things I got to experience, maybe not at the same pace as at the racetrack, but certainly to improve how I approach my workday back at the dealership.”
Hot incentives
As an extra bonus, the best nomination from each of the two categories in the program (technician and apprentice) received the reward of a hot lap inside one of PremiAir Nulon’s GM Camaros at a dedicated ride day in Sydney.
The two coveted places have been awarded to Isuzu Trucks technicians Keaton Ratcliff of Major Motors (Forrestfield) and apprentice Joel Allen from Brisbane Isuzu (Burpengary).
The Supercars program is part of a range of incentives available to Isuzu Trucks technicians, with another key event being Isuzu’s National Technical Skills Competition, which brings the best from across the country to compete at Isuzu’s Training Centre in Melbourne.
Winners from the 2023 competition, Jason Lee from Road Runner Mechanical Services (Geraldton) and Connor Gillam from Major Motors—both hailing from Western Australia—will represent Australia later this year in Japan at the I-1 Grand Prix World Final, competing against world-class technicians from across Isuzu’s global operation.
