At CMV Truck & Bus, investing in the next generation of skilled technicians is one of the most important ways we support the future of the transport industry. That's why we were proud to recently host our annual Apprentice Evening at our Derrimut dealership, recognising the achievements of our graduating apprentices and welcoming those just beginning their careers with us.
This year, we celebrated the graduation of 12 apprentices who have successfully completed their apprenticeship journey with CMV Truck & Bus. Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement and reflects years of dedication, hands-on learning and commitment to developing their skills as qualified diesel technicians.
Check out the video below for a recap on this year’s incredible event, hear from our apprentices as they share how the program is helping launch their careers in the industry.
The event also provided the opportunity to officially welcome 10 new apprentices to the CMV Truck & Bus family. As they begin their careers in the heavy vehicle industry, they join a program designed to equip them with the technical skills, practical experience and mentorship needed to succeed in a rewarding and in-demand profession.
Bringing together apprentices, managers, mentors and team members from across our dealer network, the event highlighted the strength of our apprenticeship program and the opportunities available throughout our business. Apprentices from our Derrimut, Dandenong, Clayton, Shepparton, Albury/Wodonga and Gippsland dealerships were represented, showcasing the breadth of talent developing across our operations.
Guests enjoyed mouth-watering slow-cooked smoked meats, mini pizzas and wagyu beef burgers courtesy of Bigger Than Texas catering. Their team served up a feast that kept everyone coming back for more throughout the night.
We were pleased to hear from several speakers throughout the evening, including newly appointed Training Institute Manager Richard Lim, along with Ross Greig, Executive Director of CMV Truck & Bus, and David Lobo, one of our lead Technical Trainers. Together, they shared valuable insights on career development, professional growth and the importance of investing in the future of our industry.
Chris Thompson, Service Manager at our Clayton dealership shared how he began his career with CMV Truck & Bus as an apprentice and how key decisions and opportunities over the years have helped shape a rewarding career path for him within the business. Following Chris’s inspiring speech, David Lobo took the stage to welcome our newest apprentices and offer a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead for them.
Each first-year apprentice was invited to the stage to receive their certificate from Ross and pose for a photo. As they made their way up, David shared personal insights about each apprentice – from hobbies to interests outside of work, adding a thoughtful and jovial touch to the evening.
A warm welcome to our first-year apprentices
Ali Mohammed, Baylee Beltrame, Emanuel Mulipola, Mitchell Cooper, Nicholas Young, Ryan Thomson, Toby Gunnett, Trent Bunker-Smith, Zack Webb and Noah Dunn.
After the first-year apprentices were awarded their certificates, there was a brief pause to the formalities so everyone could continue enjoying the delicious food, drinks and have the chance to mingle with one another. Presentations resumed after the break, with Richard taking to the stage again to award graduating apprentices with the certificates alongside David, who plays a major role in training all the apprentices that take part in the program.
Richard welcomed each graduating apprentice to the stage to collect their certificate from Ross, along with having their photo taken to commemorate their special milestone.
Congratulations to our graduating apprentices
Bhoopinder Gill, Braden White, Cooper Crawford, Daniel Breaz, Edward McMahon, Erick Watt, Gary Admiraal, Gary Coyne, Riley Wiggins, Mitchell Camilleri, Phillip Rizzo and Pradeep Rethnam.
Once all of our amazing graduating apprentices had been presented with their certificates, Ross took to the stage again to officially close the night’s formalities. He took the opportunity to thank everyone for being a part of such a special night and congratulated all of our apprentices once again.
It was fantastic to see everyone come together to welcome our newest apprentices and celebrate those graduating from the program. We’re already looking forward to our event in 2027, which promises to be even bigger as our award-winning Apprentice Program continues to grow and thrive.
About the CMV Truck & Bus Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship at CMV Truck & Bus is more than just a job. We’re preparing you for a long-term career within the automotive industry.
We offer multiple apprenticeship opportunities throughout our dealerships located across regional and metropolitan Victoria. With locations in Albury/Wodonga, Clayton, Dandenong, Derrimut, Epping, Gippsland, Shepparton and Warrnambool, you will be exposed to CMV Truck & Bus’ modern workshops, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and machinery.
Our apprenticeship programs are offered in conjunction with our registered training organisation, Kangan Institute of TAFE, and are recognised both within Australia and internationally.
Through the award-winning CMV Truck & Bus Apprenticeship Program you will learn the skills, knowledge and applications required to begin a career in the automotive industry, working on Mack Trucks, UD Trucks and Volvo Trucks and Buses.
If you're interested in a career in the fast-moving automotive industry and are seeking more than just a trade, kick start your career with an Apprenticeship at CMV Truck & Bus!
To learn more and to take the first step towards a rewarding career with CMV Truck & Bus today, visit our Careers portal here.