Truck maker Isuzu says that with industry reports indicating a national shortfall of thousands of qualified diesel technicians, the imperative to attract, train, and retain skilled talent in the sector has never been greater.
The company said that it was against this backdrop that it held its 2025 INational Technical Skills Competition (NTSC) which took on renewed significance as a critical initiative to foster excellence and reward mastery within the trade and across the Isuzu Trucks network.
The annual NTSC was once again held at the Isuzu Australia training facility in Melbourne, and tested the nation’s finest technicians and apprentices from the Isuzu Dealer Network with a series of intensive written and practical diagnostic challenges.
The rigorous format comprised a demanding theory examination, followed by methodically designed practical stations where competitors, against the clock, diagnosed complex fault scenarios across engine management, electrical systems, and chassis components on the test Isuzu MY25 N series models.
Isuzu Australia’s head of aftersales, Brett Stewart, said the competition directly addresses the sector’s pressing skills gap.
“With an ageing workforce and growing technological complexity, programs like the NTSC are vital,” said Stewart.
“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.
“Investing in our technicians is an investment in the very backbone of Australian road transport and of course, our many thousands of customers.”
The company said that ater a day of high-pressure competition, Rajveer Singh from Ballarat Isuzu in Victoria claimed top spot, alongside Brad Hickey from Double R Isuzu in Tamworth, in NSW, who placed a close second.
“Raj and Brad displayed phenomenal composure and skill across a really tricky format this year,” said Stewart.
“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.
“Raj and Brad’s performances are a testament to the high calibre of technicians we have across our network.
“This competition is a cornerstone of our commitment to developing the master technicians of tomorrow and generating excitement for the vital role they play.”
In the apprentice category, Mattiese Edwards also hailing from Ballarat Isuzu took out first place, with Wester Trucks’ William Khin securing second spot.
Winner Raj Singh, said he’d been working on competing at the NTSC for seven years, and described the intense challenge.
“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.”
Brad Hickey, a seasoned competitor and past I-1 Grand Prix representative, praised the event.
“It was fantastic to be back competing alongside the best.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself this year. I’ve been here before and there’s always an expectation to perform.
“I think everyone was shocked to see the new models sitting there as our practical test. They have only just gone on sale, and we haven’t worked on one yet out at our dealership.
“This forced us to go back to basics, remember our processes and tackle each problem methodically.
“I’m relieved more than anything, but also super excited to get stuck in again for another crack at the podium in Japan next year.”
The NTSC serves as the selection ground for Team Australia, who battle it out against 36 other Isuzu nations from across the world.
The top two finalists will now embark on a dedicated training program to compete against the world’s best at the prestigious Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) World Technical Competition (I-1 Grand Prix) in Japan in 2026.
With the 2025 national contest concluded, the focus for Raj and Brad shifts to preparing for the international arena, carrying the hopes of the Australian Isuzu network.
