Hastings Deering has welcomed 31 new apprentices to its ranks, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting the resources, construction, and power and energy sectors.
The cohort descended on Brisbane to kick off four years of award‑winning training in servicing, maintaining and constructing iconic Caterpillar equipment, engines and power systems.
Apprentices from eight Hastings Deering locations in Queensland and the Northern Territory — Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville and Darwin — attended the induction. They will develop their skills across three in-demand trades: apprentice diesel fitter, apprentice auto electrician, and apprentice engine reconditioner.
This year’s intake was highly competitive, with 1792 applications. Of the successful applicants, 55 per cent were already employed with Hastings Deering and have made the leap to reskill into a trade. Apprenticeships are not limited to recent school leavers — 38 per cent of this year’s cohort are aged over 21.
Among those welcomed was 40-year-old Tim Valentine. After many years in the transport industry, Tim joined the Brisbane team as a trades assistant in December 2023 on the recommendation of his brother, who works for Hastings Deering in Alice Springs.
After narrowly missing out on a place in 2024, he persisted, and Tim’s work ethic, professionalism and growing skill set saw him accepted in this year’s intake.
“I’ve been employed continuously for 25 years but I’m always eager to learn and an apprenticeship can open many doors,” he said.
This year’s cohort also includes 13 per cent women and 19 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Shannon Roos, 33, joined Hastings Deering four years ago, starting in the Mackay parts warehouse. With an interest in machinery and a love of engines, she transitioned into a trades assistant role with the field service team before being accepted into the apprenticeship program.
“I’m excited about all of it and can’t wait to learn every little detail,” she said.
Shannon’s future is looking bright — she has just bought a new home and will also become the first qualified mechanic in her family.
Hastings Deering’s investment in training delivers benefits far beyond its own workforce, supporting thousands of businesses and key industries across Australia now and into the future.
In 2025, Hastings Deering had almost 200 apprentices across its dealerships, and its Learning and Capability team were recognised at the Queensland and Northern Territory state training awards for their world-class training programs.
Hastings Deering Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mark Scott said he was encouraged to see such a strong and diverse contingent of apprentices.
“With world-class training and long-term career pathways, we’re also building a workforce that can meet the rapidly evolving needs of our customers and the industries and regions we support,” he said.
Applications for Hastings Deering’s 2027 apprenticeship intake open in May this year. To find out more, visit the Hastings Deering apprentice portal.