As the annual truck industry awards season swings on, news comes from Paccar brands , Kenworth and DAF after the two brands recently named their 2025 technicians of the year, for both brands, after having shortlisted five DAF and five Kenworth technicians from across the organisation’s Australian network.
The winner of the DAF Technician of the Year was Grant Brown of Kenworth DAF Bayswater, while Daniel Jennings of CJD Kenworth DAF Perth was named 2025 Kenworth Technician of the Year. after they were announced as the top techs at the recent 2025 Paccar Australia awards ceremony .
Paccar says the search for the 2025 DAF Technician of the Year began in October last year with all service technicians at DAF Dealerships across Australia-being invited to participate in the competition.
DAF says the competition is aimed at recognising and rewarding the best of the best, with the event consisting of four theoretical assessments, measuring technical skills, product knowledge, engine and driveline expertise and professionalism.
Along with eventual winner Grant Brown, the other finalists included Greg Pearce from Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF in Coffs Harbour who fished in second place, Russell Twigden from Kenworth DAF Bordertown who was third, Zaim Ali from Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra who took fourth place, and Erin Coghlan also from Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra who was fifth.
Along with the winner, Daniel Jennings, the Kenworth technician of the Year short list of five included Oliver Maher from Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra in second, Thomas Whittaker from Kenworth DAF Adelaide in third, Jy Kruwinnus from Kenworth Brown and Hurley DAF Darra who took fourth, and Ben Crawford from Kenworth DAF Adelaide in fifth place.
Both the DAF and Kenworth finals were held over a full day on 21st March at Paccar Australia’s Bayswater manufacturing plant, where finalist for both brands each faced five practical tests that combined electrical, mechanical and system testing.
The finalists for both brands shared more than $30,000 worth of prizes for each brand, including vouchers for a selection of tools vital to the job, which were handed out at a celebratory awards dinner.
The company explained that the technicians completed a range of assessments under pressure and scrutiny, not unlike the demands of a busy service department, which showcased their diagnostic expertise, practical knowledge and product experience.
Managing director of Paccar Australia, Damian Smethurst, Paccar Australia after sales manager, Steven Tomaro, and technical trainer Andy Paterson, presented the Technician of the Year awards to Grant Brown and Daniel Jennings, congratulating them on winning and their performances on the day.
“Grant Brown’s and Daniel Jenning’s assessment’s were outstanding. Congratulations to both of them on their well-deserved wins, and also well done to all the finalists who made it to the finals,” said Damian Smethurst.
“The testing up to and throughout the finals proves that the skill and experience of Paccar technicians are the best of the best in the industry,” Smethurst added.
“It showcases the strength of the Dealership network as a group, with customers experiencing only the highest calibre of technical expertise and support when their trucks are serviced at a DAF or Kenworth Dealership,” he added.
Service manager Andrew Bramley said, the company was thrilled that Grant Brown won the award,
“It’s a testament to his own personal drive and capability and the great support within the Bayswater service team,” Bramley said.
General manger Dean O’Reilly said it was a magnificent achievement for Daniel Jennings and really shows what hard work and dedication can achieve.
“To be the number one technician for the Kenworth brand Australia wide is simply outstanding,” O’Reilly said.
Grant Brown said he was extremely happy with the win and thanked the other finalists for helping make it a great day.
“My thanks also go to Paccar Australia for running such a great and worthwhile competition,” said Brown.
Daniel Jennings said he really just wanted to do better than last time, and was absolutely delighted with the result.
“The competition from the other finalists was very strong. In a couple of the tests I felt that I had to keep pushing and stay focused to make sure I could complete the task in time. I’m a very, very happy man,” said Jennings
