The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) has been passionate about the training and retention of apprentices and tradespeople in the road transport industry for many years.

CVIAQ Chief Executive Officer, Brett Wright says, “We are thrilled that with the generous financial support of the Kenworth Dealer Group we are able to lift our Apprentice Skills Competition to new heights, as a nationally recognised industry event - the 2007 CVIAQ National Apprentice Challenge.

“It is also rewarding that Australia’s leading heavy truck manufacturer Kenworth Trucks and its dealers recognise the importance of, and are willing to assist financially with the promotion of our industry and encouraging young people to become involved.”

Heavy vehicle mechanical apprentices from all over Australia will go head to head in the practical skills challenge next May at the Queensland Truck and Machinery Show. An initial theory test will be undertaken and held simultaneously in all states and territories at TAFE facilities.

The competition encompasses the regions:

Joe Rizzo, Director Sales and Marketing PACCAR Australia said “In conjunction with the Kenworth Dealer Group, we are delighted to assist with this important initiative, designed to attract, train and retain apprentices for the road transport industry. The importance of programs like this for the longer term viability of the industry for us all cannot be underestimated.” 

Two representatives will be chosen to form a team from each region and participate in the Challenge final – a practical test to locate and rectify deliberate faults put into the mechanical/electrical systems on identical Kenworth trucks, at the Queensland Truck and Machinery Show. Heats will be held on Friday afternoon 18 May 2007 and the Grand Final will be on the Saturday afternoon 19 May. The CVIAQ will cover all travel and accommodation expenses to the show for each regional team.

To enter the 2007 CVIAQ National Skills Challenge you must be enrolled at a Certificate III level in heavy mechanical courses in Australia either as a Mechanical Diesel Fitter or Heavy Vehicle Road Transport Mechanic. The competition is not limited to the above qualifications however eligibility will be at the discretion of the organisers only.

Full details of the Rules and Regulations of the event together with a Nomination Form are available for download HERE. Nomination Forms are also enclosed in the August/September edition of Truck & Trailer Australia and the September edition of Truckin’ Life magazine.

The winning team (two apprentices) will accompany the managing editor of Truckin’ Life magazine to the US in August 2007, courtesy of the Australian Kenworth Truck Dealer Group, visiting truck and ancillary equipment plants in North America.

The second and third runner up teams will also win valuable rewards for their skills. In addition the second placed team will travel to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs, as guests at its annual awards and celebration weekend in August 2007. 

Warby Tools has been an enthusiastic supporter and sponsor of the CVIAQ Apprentice Skills Competition for many years and will continue its support with the 2007 CVIAQ National Apprentice Challenge.

The staff at Truckin’ Life and its sister magazine Truck & Trailer Australia along with the management of the publisher FPC Magazines are also throwing their support behind the competition as a supporter and exclusive media outlet to promote the 2007 CVIAQ National Apprentice Challenge.