Swan Transit Apprentice takes on 2023 National Apprentice Challenge

Thursday 11 May 2023

Heavy vehicle diesel apprentice from Swan Transit in Karrinyup, Jacob Zurzolo, will be competing with top apprentices from around the country, to vie for the 2023 HVIA National Apprentice Challenge at the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show from 18th to 21st May.

Considered as the peak national apprentice competition, the Apprentice Challenge has handpicked six participating teams considered to be the best and brightest from key technical colleges around Australia.

The competition will heat up as Jacob and the other competitors are tested on three all-new 48X Western Star X-Series trucks, where they will be asked to identify and repair all the faults within a set time frame.

According to Jacob, it is an honour to compete in the 2023 National Apprentice Challenge where his skills will be put to the test against other apprentices from around Australia.

“While I am a little nervous about the competition, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Swan Transit at the truck show,” Jacob says.

“The love of cars has always been in my blood, so to turn my passion of cars into a career as a mechanic has simply been a dream come true.

“I am very fortunate that my Workshop Manager and mentor, Joel Eltringham, will be supporting me at the Show. I will be competing in a team with another apprentice I have never met before, so we are certainly going to be thrown in the deep end!”

Jacob has some sage advice for those who are considering a career as a mechanic.

“Listen, follow and observe your leaders who have done apprenticeships before. They will guide you the best they can. I wouldn’t have it any other way. A career in the heavy diesel industry is simply amazing.”

According to Brian Thompson, Managing Director, Swan Transit, the 2023 National Apprentice Challenge is a tremendous opportunity to showcase and celebrate the next generation of talent coming into the heavy vehicle industry.

“The entire Swan Transit team is extremely proud of Jacob in what he has already accomplished so far in his career,” Mr Thompson said.

“It is great to see Jacob embracing challenges like this, especially so early in his career, and having the opportunity to work alongside other apprentices who have the same appetite for success.

“We wish Jacob all the best in the competition as he battles it out in front of a huge crowd at the Brisbane Truck Show.”