Apprentice of the Year carries on family tradition

Media Release 05 October 2010

2010 MTA Apprentice of the Year carries on family tradition

Brock Johnson, winner of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) Apprentice of the Year Competition 2010, had to wait an extra week to compete in the MTA Apprentice of the Year finals, but it paid off after he was recently named the 2010 winner.

Along with three other finalists, Brock was due to compete in Wellington, on 18 September 2010, to complete the practical test and a panel interview that would determine the overall winner. Unfortunately a storm that blanketed the South Island that weekend had other ideas, forcing the closure of both Queenstown and Invercargill airports, stranding him in Invercargill.

“It was pretty gutting” says Brock, who despite almost missing his first opportunity to compete, remained optimistic about the situation. Competition organisers at MTA kept in touch with Brock and assured him that he would still get his chance to compete. On Friday 1 October, Brock made it safely to Wellington to complete the competition.

“The practical stuff was pretty straight forward”, says the modest 21 year old. “It was all stuff I’d done before, and the guys judging were really relaxed, which helped.”

Brock’s family has been involved in the automotive industry for over 30 years and Brock is proudly continuing this tradition. “Dad has always been in the industry, owning garages and now dealerships. He worked his way up, a bit like I am now.” says Brock.

Brock got his start in the automotive industry through a school work experience programme, and now works full-time at Mt Aspiring Motors, Wanaka. His manager, Dave Saunders nominated Brock for the competition.

“Brock is a go-getter who is always eager to learn new skills. He has excellent people and communication skills, and is well received by his workmates and customers. He takes a great deal of pride in his work and has already set his sights on achieving two more qualifications.”

Brock studied hard to complete his apprenticeship in two years, and admits he takes a great deal of pride in his work. He is now responsible for the work experience student at Mt Aspiring Motors, which shows his maturity, leadership and dedication to the industry.

Jess Ross-Smith, MTA HR Advisor and interview panellist says Brock definitely shone in his interview. “He was very personable and easy to understand. He has a clear passion for the motor industry and that was hard to ignore. I have no doubt that he will succeed in becoming a leading automotive technician and industry leader.”

Winning MTA Apprentice of the Year 2010 is only a stepping stone to a long and successful career. Brock will win a trip to work with Greg Murphy and the Castrol Racing Pit crew at this year’s Norton 360 Challenge at Melbourne’s Sandown Circuit, $2000 cash prize and a potential study grant from MITO.

The long running MTA Apprentice of the Year Award is organised by MTA with assistance from MITO and aims to reward the skills of talented apprentices and employers who are investing in the future and the skills of the automotive industry.

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