Tech talent living life in the fast lane

Top quality capital equipment is engineered to stay ‘on the job’ and working for many years without issue, provided due attention is given to its care with appropriate servicing and maintenance.

As the market-leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the heavy vehicle space, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) recognises the importance of supporting truck owners in this endeavour, with an exceptional aftersales support and care system designed to back both product and customer, and delivered through its highly experienced dealer network.

Isuzu's ambition to create an industry-leading service environment starts with its people and extends to nurturing talent across the national network, including dynamic opportunities for staff to elevate their potential.

An enhanced training program for service technicians working at Isuzu Trucks dealerships around the country encompasses a range of hands-on opportunities, including a once-in-a-lifetime experience involving the Repco Supercars Championship.

In 2024, Isuzu’s Supercars experience for technicians is up and running with the help of PremiAir Nulon Racing, who’s on-track performance is providing inspiration for established and apprentice technicians alike.

Techs rewarded

This year a total of 16 Isuzu technicians are joining the PremiAir Nulon Racing team at events during the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship calendar and at the team’s headquarters situated in the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Discussing the high-octane experience, IAL’s Head of Aftersales Brett Stewart explained 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.”

The PremiAir Racing team is competing across Australia and New Zealand in 2024

High stakes service

Those chosen to participate in the experience were elected via a nomination process 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.

PremiAir Racing's Chief Mechanic, Andrew Bell

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.”

Blacklocks Isuzu Wodonga's Zac Spalding

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 said he was thrilled with the chance to learn the ropes.

“Just the speed and everyone knowing what to do throughout the weekend was really exciting to be a part of,” Zac commented.

“The team works quickly, but precisely, and there is constant communication between everyone to ensure that things run smoothly.”

Rochelle Magnussen from Brisbane Isuzu Stapylton

Likewise, apprentice technician Rochelle Magnussen from Brisbane Isuzu Stapylton was 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 straight forward,” Rochelle said.

“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.”

Joel Allen from Brisbane Isuzu (Burpengary) taking a hot lap with Tim Slade

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.

For more information on careers at Isuzu Trucks visit isuzu.com.au/work-with-us.