The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has rewarded three high achieving truck mechanics via its 2025 winners of the Cummins Young Tech Award.
These awards seek to increase the expertise of emerging mechanics and service technicians, including apprentices.
“With the end of year trucking season upon us and retailers and trucking operators working hard to meet the growing demand for online shopping and express delivery, it has never been more critical to keep the nation’s trucks in peak operating condition,” ATA chair Mark Parry says.
“Thanks to Cummins Asia Pacific, these three outstanding mechanics will be recognised on the main stage of ATA’s 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference as part of the conference opening on October 14.”
The 2025 Cummins Young Tech Award winners are:
- James Beaven, Murrell Freight Lines, Dapto, NSW
- Thomas Bevan, Mildura Truck Centre, Mildura, VIC
- Jake Wilesmith, Brennan’s Quarries, Tumbarumba, NSW.
In addition to their full registrations at TMC 25, the winners will experience pre‑conference tours of two Cummins plants in Victoria.
“We’re honoured to continue supporting this award, which helps recognise the invaluable role that mechanics and service technicians play in our industry,” Cummins on-highway sales and customer support manager Scott Alexander says.
“Young service technicians are the future of our industry, and programs like this are essential to equipping them with the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive in workshop environments.
“Cummins regularly presents at TMC, and this year our technical experts will run a session exploring the maintenance requirements on the X15D Euro VI engine including the after-treatment system.
“We will also cover wheel-end maintenance from an axle perspective. Finally, we will have our HELM fuel agnostic platform on display.”
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The 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference will take place from October 14-15 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The event is sponsored by the PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund.
James Beaven, as one of the three winners, is a dual tradesperson who has completed both a heavy commercial and an automotive electrical apprenticeship.
He was recently promoted to the role of afternoon shift workshop supervisor at Murrell’s new heavy vehicle workshop facility in Wollongong, where he leads a team and mentors apprentices.
Colleagues describe James as confident, approachable, and known for his “can-do” attitude, often saying that no job is ever too difficult for him.
For Thomas Bevan, the workshop supervisor works at the Mildura Truck Centre in Victoria.. He has loved trucks since he was little and turned that passion into a career after studying heavy vehicle technology at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE.
Thomas was recently recognised as one of the most skilled heavy vehicle mechanics in the country, winning a silver award at the World Skills Australia International Competition in 2024.
Outside of work, he is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fishing, camping, and 4-wheel driving – activities that reflect his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.
Lastly, Jake Wilesmith is the workshop manager at Brennan’s Quarries, known for his upbeat attitude, tireless work ethic and outstanding mechanical skill.
A respected plant truck mechanic, Jake plays a pivotal role in maintaining a wide-ranging fleet – from heavy vehicles and concrete agitators to essential construction machinery.
Since completing his apprenticeship in 2021, he has continued to grow professionally, earning qualifications in air conditioning servicing and apprentice supervision.
He now mentors second and third year apprentices, sharing his knowledge with patience, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to their growth.