An apprentice mechanic who recently brought home the gong for Progressive Excellence at the 2024 Automotive Industry Awards has been commended for his dedication and positive attitude.
Isaac Taylor was delighted to be honoured at the ceremony, which celebrated Victoria and Tasmania’s finest automotive businesses and top apprentices.
“I was very excited,” he told Big Rigs. “Though I was definitely nervous going on stage – thankfully I didn’t have to make a speech!”
The 20-year-old has been working for Palm Trans in Laverton North, Victoria for the past 18 months and is loving it so far.
“It’s a fun job – they are a great team to work for,” he said.
“I’ve learned a lot about mechanics, and I’ve become a lot more confident in myself and the work I’m doing.”
Isaac was reluctant to sing his own praises but said his work ethic and attention to detail might have helped him impress the awards judge.
“I always make sure I do things right, and if I’m not sure I check it again,” he said.
“And I’ve always shown up to work even when I’ve had other stuff going on in my life.”
The Melton native has been passionate about the road transport industry from a young age.
“It was my family that got me interested in trucks.
“My dad was a truck driver and truck mechanic in New Zealand, my uncle was a truck driver, and my great grandad was a mechanic as well.”
Isaac is officially employed by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) as part of the VACC Automotive Apprenticeships Program.
The VACC has placed him with Palm Trans to learn his trade, and he thinks doing an apprenticeship is the best way to get a start in transport.
“School is good, but apprenticeships are better because you get hands-on experience.
“My advice to anyone who might be interested in mechanics is just to get in there and do it.
“I procrastinated a lot before I started this apprenticeship – I worked in a chicken shop and I was scared that if I left, it wouldn’t work out for me.
“As soon as I started with Palm Trans, I felt like I was finally doing what I should be doing.”
Chris Mifsud, national maintenance manager for Palm Trans, said he and VACC field manager and mentor Kris Stellini nominated Isaac for the Progressive Excellence Award because of his strong work ethic.
“He’s a good young kid, he’s interested in the trade and he applies his trade well,” he said.
“We are facing a skills shortage, so it’s encouraging that there are still young people out there who want to come on board in this industry.
“It’s also excellent that the VACC want to nurture the development of young people in this industry.”
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym congratulated Isaac and all the 2024 Automotive Industry Award winners on their success at the awards ceremony, which took place during the VACC President’s Gala Dinner at the Crown, Melbourne.
“It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and Tasmania,” he said.
“The winners go above and beyond, and have proved themselves more than worthy of these titles.”