Apprentices to Receive Training in Latest Heavy Vehicle Technology

The MTA has acquired a new Scania R560 truck through a partnership with Scania Australia to support the MTA's Heavy Vehicle training. The new truck will provide an invaluable benefit for the MTA and will significantly aid in providing our upcoming Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technicians with appropriate, relevant up-to-date equipment to learn on.

“We are very grateful to acquire this Scania truck, which has a variety of new systems that our older training trucks don’t have,” said Scott Hahesy, MTA Skills Manager Heavy Vehicle / Regional.

“It has the latest emission controls, engine controls, ADAS features and more. This will enable our apprentices to get hands-on, relevant experience in maintaining and repairing a working truck with the latest technology.”

With continued demand for truck technicians, the MTA continues to play a key role in upskilling and training the next generation of workers for these essential roles. Once qualified with a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) or Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320), there are multiple career paths to follow within Scania, both in Australia and within the global network.

“I’m a heavy vehicle mechanic myself and I understand the importance of training apprentices,” said Greg Quick, Scania’s State Manager for SA/NT.

“Getting skilled tradespeople is quite difficult at the moment so Scania is very much committed to this. We have taken on two apprentices this year. In fact, we have been doing this for the last 10-15 years. We home grow our own. They’ve then become team leaders and managers within our business so it’s very important to support the training organisations to assist us to train our staff for the future. We are very committed and happy to be a part of it as well.”

Lachlan Fotheringham, MTA Skills Manager of Light Vehicle, Electric Vehicle and Paint and Panel, said the MTA was eager to see apprentices undertake practical training on equipment they can expect to work on when they enter the industry.

“With the addition of this new and exciting truck, the MTA will continue to develop apprentices and increase the number of skilled and qualified technicians,” he said.