Key Facts:
- Hino Australia has expanded its National Skills Contest to include Apprentice Technicians for the first time, launching the Hino Apprentice Challenge with two winners earning a wildcard entry to the 2027 National Skills Contest.
- The 2026 final was held over three days at Hino Australia's National Training Centre in Sydney, with 16 finalists competing following a four-round qualifying period held over four months.
- Lucas Whitmore (Prestige Hino, VIC) and Andrew Bartolo (CMI Hino Adelaide, SA) were crowned the inaugural winners and will compete in the 2027 Hino National Skills Contest in November 2027.
- Top scorers from each qualifying round will receive a Team 18 garage experience, working alongside the Hino-sponsored Supercars Championship team ahead of the Adelaide round.
- The Hino National Skills Contest, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Australian truck industry, is held every two years and aims to recognise technical expertise whilst attracting and retaining skilled professionals across the dealership network.
Hino Australia has expanded its National Skills Contest demonstrating its dedication to the ongoing training and development of its dealership network, with Apprentice Technicians now included for the first time.
"This year, we have launched a Hino Apprentice Challenge, which will mean two Apprentice Technicians will win a wildcard entry to the 2027 National Skills Contest," said Gus Belanszky, General Manager of Service and Customer Support for Hino Australia.
Following a four-round qualifying period held over four months, the top 16 qualifiers recently participated in the 2026 Hino Apprentice Challenge final which took place
over three days at Hino Australia's National Training Centre in Sydney and included training and practical assessments to test their diagnostic and technical skills.
"Based on their results during both the qualifying period and the final, two apprentices, Lucas Whitmore (Prestige Hino) and Andrew Bartolo (CMI Hino Adelaide) have been crowned the inaugural winners and selected to compete in the 2027 Hino National Skills Contest in November 2027," he said.
"Additionally, the top scorer from each of the qualifying rounds will be awarded a Team 18 garage experience, providing a unique opportunity to work alongside the Hino-sponsored team as they prepare the racecars in the lead-up to the Adelaide round of the Supercars Championship," said Mr Belanszky.
"The Hino National Skills Contest is held every second year which ensures a robust qualifying period and enables a broad cross-section of dealership staff to participate," he said.
"The Hino National Skills Contest is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Australian truck industry, and it is an event we are constantly evolving.
"It gives us an opportunity to assess and recognise the expertise, commitment and professionalism of our people, while delivering tangible benefits to customers through enhanced technical knowledge and skills," continued Mr Belanszky.
"It also plays an important role in attracting and retaining talented parts, sales and service professionals, helping us build a skilled and dedicated workforce across Australia," he concluded.
Hino Apprentice Challenge Finalist Winners 2026
Lucas Whitmore - Prestige Hino, VIC
Andrew Bartolo - CMI Hino Adelaide, SA
Hino Apprentice Challenge Finalists 2026
Jordan Prinsloo -Barry Maney Hino
Tyler Tomkins - City Hino, Sydney, NSW
Andrew Bartolo - CMI Hino Adelaide, SA
Joshua Millwood - CMI Hino Adelaide, SA
Michael Fermanis - CMI Hino Cambellfield, VIC
Drew Edwards, CMI Hino Lonsdale, VIC
Benjamin Nurse, CMI Hino Melbourne, VIC
Micheal Sack, Honeycombes Hino, QLD
Brayden Sweet, Johnson's Hino, Mildura, VIC
Shaylee Stone, Mavin Hino, Taree, NSW
Kade Williams, Prestige Hino, VIC
Lucas Whitmore, Prestige Hino, VIC
Matt Barrow, Sci-Fleet Hino, Coopers Plains, QLD
Will Mickleson, Sci-Fleet Hino Eagle Farm, QLD
Keiron Lally, WA Hino, WA
Mikaela McGavin, Wideland Hino, Toowoomba, QLD
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