After two days of intense competition, it was tools down for Australia’s top technicians at the 2024 Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) National Skills Contest, with Central Victorian Isuzu UTE’s Sam Nicholls besting seven other finalists to secure the lead seat at the upcoming 2025 I-1 Grand Prix, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Runner-up, Tristen Wilson of Geraldton Isuzu UTE is set to join Sam Nicholls on the world stage—with both techs teaming up to represent Australia at the upcoming international Isuzu technical championship.

A group of 50 technicians were nominated from the Isuzu UTE Dealer Network to join the Isuzu UTE Australia National Skills Contest, where a comprehensive online test saw the top-eight move on to the head-to-head finals hosted at the IUA head office, on the 5^th and 6^th of June, 2024.

Across the two days, the eight finalists completed six rigorous challenges, ranging from advanced engine diagnosis to vehicle inspection concerns. In a display of automotive expertise and technical prowess, each trial simulated challenges similar to what the technician may experience in their own service centre and on the world stage, at the upcoming international I-1 Grand Prix.

Overseeing the National Skills Contest from start to finish, Isuzu UTE Australia’s Senior Aftersales Learning and Development Manager, John Jones, proudly reflected that “the contest was one of the best I have been involved in, showcasing the exceptional talent of Isuzu UTE technicians from across Australia.”

“I want to thank all the contestants for their hard work and dedication; their performances were outstanding, and the competition was incredibly close.”

“This is just the first step for the winners. They have a lot of work ahead of them as they prepare for the 2025 I-1 Grand Prix, but I am confident that they will continue to excel with their skill and determination.”

The road to the I-1 Grand Prix, through the National Skills Contest, is a journey that starts with the completion of their Bronze Certification, the first step towards their Silver, Gold and Master Certifications. These advanced technical qualifications are a combination of practical experience and training program competency, which are only attainable through the completion of IUA’s technical training curriculum, facilitated in Melbourne, Victoria and Brisbane, Queensland.

For over three decades, the I-1 Grand Prix has showcased and recognised tenacious talent from around the globe, with Team Australia a regular top contender. Testament to the calibre of talent seen through the IUA technical training program, Blacklocks Isuzu UTE’s Peter Carter won the 2022 I-1 Grand Prix, besting 42 finalists from 21 countries in the 17^th running of the international competition.

With the 18^th I-1 Grand Prix scheduled for May 2025 in Thailand, Australia’s top technicians, Sam Nicholls and Tristen Wilson are undertaking their Gold Certifications as they continue to hone their skills in preparation for the world stage—with the hopes of securing Australia’s first consecutive win in the global technical competition.