2026 Apprentice Welcome & Graduation Evening

CMV Truck Centre proudly hosted our annual Apprentice Welcome & Graduation Evening at the dealership on Thursday, March 5 - an event that continues to be one of the most anticipated nights on our calendar.

Catch some of the action below, including a roaming interview from CMV Truck Centre Training Manager, Bryan Brown.

Each year, this evening brings together our new first‑year apprentices, graduating technicians, their families, industry partners, and the CMV Truck Centre team to celebrate achievement, growth, and the bright future of our workshop.

As the night began, the dealership buzzed with energy as guests arrived and were greeted by the irresistible aroma of wood‑oven pizzas and char‑grilled meat skewers, by Orlando Catering.

Guests slowly filled the showroom and enjoyed catching up with each other over a drink as well as checking out the engine rebuild display, expertly pieced together by our new first year apprentices. This hands‑on project not only showcased their early technical abilities but also underscored the teamwork, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn that our apprentices bring into the workshop.

The formalities began with a warm welcome from CMV Truck Centre General Manager, Heath Patten, with an inspiring message to our new apprentices and their families joining the night; to embrace every learning opportunity and encouraging all to live everyday with the CMV Group Values front of mind - Safety First, Can Do, Ask the Question, Do the Right Thing, and Mutual Respect.

His message reinforced the strong culture and support network that surrounds our people from day one, as well as the importance of these annual gatherings in recognising the next generation of skilled technicians who will shape the future of CMV Truck Centre.

Following Heath’s welcome, CMV Truck Centre Training Manager, Bryan Brown, provided an overview of the training program and what our new apprentices can expect as they rotate through different teams, technologies, and repair disciplines.

CMV Truck Centre Service Operations Manager, Barry Dellow, then took the stage. Barry reflected on the exciting year ahead for our apprentices and shared his pride in the dedication and enthusiasm shown by both our new and graduating apprentices.

Barry then invited each new apprentice to the stage one by one, sharing a short introduction as they stepped forward to receive their certificate. This tradition not only celebrates the beginning of their career journey but also recognises their commitment from day one.

Welcome to our First Year Diesel Technician & Auto Electrical Apprentices

• Jesse Thomas Harris
• Harrison Hoppe
• Hamish McIntosh
• Elijah Williams
• Thomas Anderson

Following the introduction of the new apprentices, the spotlight turned to honouring the exceptional achievements of our existing apprentice group. Barry proudly announced the 2026 Apprentices of the Year, recognising outstanding performance across multiple year levels.

Congratulations to our Apprentices of the Year

• 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year: Josh Dwyer-Sterzl
• 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year: Darren Martin
• 4th Year Apprentice of the Year: Rex Rolland Lopez

These awards, along with a $250 tool account voucher, highlight apprentices who consistently demonstrate professionalism, technical capability, a strong work ethic, and a positive influence within the workshop. 

Barry then welcomed our graduating apprentices to the stage, who proudly accepted their certificates in front of family, colleagues, and mentors. Their achievements reflect years of hard work, commitment, and passion for the heavy vehicle industry - a milestone we’re honoured to celebrate with them.

Congratulations again to all our Graduates!

• Hayden Melnik - Auto Electrics Technology Apprenticeship (dualtrade)
• Bryce Drent - Heavy Vehicle Commercial Diesel Apprenticeship
• Bradley Flaherty -  Heavy Vehicle Commercial Diesel Apprenticeship
• Bradley Morcom - Heavy Vehicle Commercial Diesel Apprenticeship
• Ethan Lepley - Heavy Vehicle Commercial Diesel Apprenticeship

Their achievements reflect years of hard work, dedication, and growth - and the CMV Truck Centre team were delighted to celebrate this milestone with them.

Next, CMV Truck Centre Parts Manager, Adam McCue, shared insights into the Parts apprentice program - a growing and increasingly important pathway within CMV Truck Centre. He explained that apprentices in the Parts Department gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of responsibilities - from serving customers at the front counter to supporting technicians in the workshop, managing stock accuracy, learning supplier systems, and developing a deep understanding of Kenworth and DAF product.

Adam then invited each graduating Parts apprentice to stage, acknowledging that each of them has shown significant personal and professional growth - building strong working relationships with technicians and customers, and demonstrating exceptional skills in technical product knowledge and inventory management.

Congratulations again to our Parts Graduates!

• Will Wright - Parts Interpreter Apprenticeship
• Matt Ellis - Parts Interpreter Apprenticeship

As formalities wrapped up, guests continued to enjoy delicious food and mingle throughout the dealership.

We are incredibly proud of our new first‑year apprentices, our Apprentices of the Year, and our graduating apprentices. Their dedication and passion are an asset to the CMV Truck Centre team, and we’re excited to support them as they continue to grow and thrive.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us - here’s to another great year of building futures together.

To view all the photos of the evening, please visit our Facebook page.
To find out more about our Apprenticeship Program and apply for our next intake, tap here.