Hino has announced the expansion of its National Skills Contest to include apprentice technicians for the first time, with the company launching the Hino Apprentice Challenge with two winners set to earn a wildcard entry to the 2027 National Skills Contest.
The company says that the 2026 final was held over three days at Hino’s National Training Centre in Sydney, with the 16 finalists competing following a four-round qualifying period held over four months.
Two Hino apprentices, Lucas Whitmore from Prestige Hino in Melbourne and Andrew Bartolo from CMI Hino in Adelaide were crowned the inaugural winners and are now set to compete in the 2027 Hino National Skills Contest in November next year.
As well the top scorers from each qualifying round will also receive a Team 18 garage experience, working alongside the Hino-sponsored Supercars team ahead of the Adelaide round of the racing series.
Hino says its National Skills Contest is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Australian truck industry and is held every two years with the aim of recognising technical expertise whilst attracting and retaining skilled professionals across the dealership network.
Hino says its expanded National Skills Contest demonstrates its dedication to the ongoing training and development of its dealership network, with apprentice technicians now included for the first time.
“This year, we have launched a Hino Apprentice Challenge, which will mean two apprentice technicians will win a wildcard entry to the 2027 National Skills Contest,” said Hino’s general manager of service and customer support, Gus Belanszky.
Following a four-round qualifying period held over four months, the top 16 qualifiers recently participated in the 2026 Hino Apprentice Challenge final which took place over three days at Hino Australia’s National Training Centre in Sydney and included training and practical assessments to test their diagnostic and technical skills.
“Based on their results during both the qualifying period and the final, two apprentices, Lucas Whitmore (Prestige Hino) and Andrew Bartolo (CMI Hino Adelaide) have been crowned the inaugural winners and selected to compete in the 2027 Hino National Skills Contest in November 2027,” Belanszky said.
“Additionally, the top scorer from each of the qualifying rounds will be awarded a Team 18 garage experience, providing a unique opportunity to work alongside the Hino-sponsored team as they prepare the racecars in the lead-up to the Adelaide round of the Supercars Championship,” said Belanszky.
“The Hino National Skills Contest is held every second year which ensures a robust qualifying period and enables a broad cross-section of dealership staff to participate,” he said.
“The Hino National Skills Contest is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Australian truck industry, and it is an event we are constantly evolving.
“It gives us an opportunity to assess and recognise the expertise, commitment and professionalism of our people, while delivering tangible benefits to customers through enhanced technical knowledge and skills,” Belanszky continued.
“It also plays an important role in attracting and retaining talented parts, sales and service professionals, helping us build a skilled and dedicated workforce across Australia,” he concluded.
