The ATA has announced that four trucking apprentices will advance their careers and deepen their industry expertise following the announcement of the 2024 Cummins Scholarships by the Australian Trucking Association.
The Trucking Association says the scholarships seek to increase the expertise of promising apprentice mechanics and service technicians.
“Thanks to Cummins South Pacific, these four apprentices will be recognised on the main stage of ATA’s 2024 Technology and Maintenance Conference as part of the conference opening on 22 October and will be paired with an experienced industry mentor to help make the most of their conference experience,” said ATA chair Mark Parry.
The organisation has announced that the 2024 Cummins Scholarship recipients are:Joshua Troeth, from Tatiara Truck and Trailers at Bordertown in SA, Lachlan Evans, from Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage in Goulburn, NSW, Samuel Della of Frasers Livestock Transport at Warwick in Queensland and Zethaniah Copland from McColls Transport at South Geelong in Victoria.
The ATA says that in addition to full registration at TMC 24, the winners will also experience a pre-conference tour of the Cummins plant in Victoria.
“Cummins is proud to continue our partnership with the ATA,” said Scott Alexander, Cummins South Pacific manager for on-highway sales and customer support.
“Today’s apprentices are the future of our industry, and this program is crucial in supporting the professional growth of people entering the industry’s workshops,” Alexander said.
“Cummins regularly presents at TMC, and this year our technical experts will run a session covering Euro VI after treatment and maintenance, with a live demonstration and components on display. The session will also cover inter-axle differential operations,” he said.
The 2024 Technology and Maintenance Conference will take place from October 21-23 at the Melbourne Docklands with the annual event attracting more than 400 delegates from across the industry as well as offering hands-on workshops, presentations, and interactive informational sessions.
It is claimed the conference will also feature highly anticipated networking events, including the Paccar Parts Fun Night at the Fox Car Museum and the Castrol Awards Dinner, to be held at Melbourne’s Crown Aviary rooftop venue.
South Australian Joshua Troeth is a third-year apprentice with Tatiara Truck and Trailers and through his eagerness to learn and apply new skills, he has been able to move quickly onto more complex jobs in the workshop such as valve adjustments, assisting engine rebuilds as well as joining the callout team.
Joshua has demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout his apprenticeship and has been nominated for several awards.
New South Welshman, Lachlan Evans is also a third-year apprentice and is known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail. Always eager to learn, he is said to take pride in obtaining the right information to ensure every job is completed accurately and safely.
Outside of work, he is also a passionate hockey player who values the team spirit and enjoys maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Warwick based Samuel Della is another third-year and is a dedicated learner, who it is said is always eager to go the extra mile. He has worked on a variety of heavy vehicles, with his most recent and in-depth focus being the Cummins X15.
Sam is said to be a valued team member, and is well-respected by his peers and takes a proactive role in mentoring and supporting school-based and junior apprentices.
Meantime Victorian winner Zethaniah Copland is the only fourth-year to take a scholarship this year and it is claimed that he brings a positive and inquisitive attitude to his work in the workshop, fuelled by a strong passion for learning. He says he is drawn to American vehicles, and claims to have quickly mastered the ins and outs of Kenworths.
