Isuzu doubles down on diesel technicians

Isuzu Australia is continuing its support of diesel mechanics and technicians through ongoing training and retention.

It announced significant support in the form of engine hardware to be donated to a number of TAFE colleges across Victoria, with 32 contemporary diesel engines have been supplied to Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (SuniTAFE) (Mildura and Swan Hill), The Gordon (Geelong), Chisholm Institute (Dandenong), Wodonga TAFE (Barnawartha campus) and Outer Northern Trade Centre (Lalor).

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“Demand for diesel powered commercial vehicles and capital equipment has never been higher and these machines all need service and support throughout their lifecycle,” says Isuzu Australia head of aftersales Brett Stewart.

“However, a persistent issue for our sector is a shortage of skilled diesel technicians in the system.

“As Australia’s truck market leader, we’re committed to ensuring this demand is met. Our TAFE institutions really are the lifeblood of this broader push, so what better place to lend a hand.”

The diesel engines supplied include a range of four and six-cylinder variants encompassing mechanical and common rail designs. These are the same units that are used in many of Isuzu’s existing line-up of truck models and off-highway Isuzu Power Solutions products.

“We have secured 32 diesel engines of various sizes and configurations for students to work on that are all current, ‘in-market’ models – not old or discontinued technology,” Stewart says.

“As the biggest selling truck brand in the country, there’s a fair chance that many of these technicians will eventually work with Isuzu diesel engines, so having them experience the same type of technology during their TAFE training, ensures a smoother transition to workshops or out into the broader capital equipment field.”

The engines supplied to the TAFEs include:

14 x 4JG1 engines (mechanical)
7 x 4JJ1 engines (common rail)
1 x 4HK1 engine (common rail)
2 x 4BG1 engine (mechanical)
5 x 6HK1 engines (common rail)
1 x 6BG1 engine (mechanical)
2 x 6UZ1 engine (common rail)
49 x radiators

“Diesel engine technology, whether it be in trucks, off-highway applications or a range of other heavy industries, has a strong future despite perceptions,” Stewart says.

“Demand is only increasing and with engine technology and overall efficiencies improving drastically, the need for trained technicians will remain strong for many decades to come.

“This means that Isuzu dealers and other workshops will be busy places, and the most valuable resource will be skilled technicians.

“I started as a diesel apprentice and did all my TAFE studies at the Gordon Geelong. I forged a successful career in workshops, dealerships, and now within a leading OEM.

“Having professional training is a skill for life and can lead to a range of opportunities that many people never imagined.”