MTA Queensland extends its congratulations to Dallas Sykes, who was recently named Vocational Student of the Year at the Darling Downs South West regional final of the 2024 Queensland Training Awards.
In 2022, Dallas was named the recipient of MTA Queensland’s VET Trainer Scholarship. A qualified light and heavy vehicle mechanic with nearly 30 years in the automotive industry, Dallas worked as the Service Manager at Western Truck Group in Toowoomba, managing 40 staff under his direct supervision. His dedication to apprentice development and the retention of skilled workers made his application stand out.
“My goal is to improve apprentice retention in the automotive industry. Having witnessed the positive influence an attentive trainer can have on their apprentices, I wanted to make a difference. I believed that transitioning into a Trainer role would enable me to achieve this and am thankful for the chance to do so,” said Dallas.
Through the Scholarship, Dallas was given the opportunity to complete his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, fully funded. This course equipped him with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to deliver training across the VET sector.
Now, Dallas has transitioned from senior operations management to vocational training, working at a Registered Training Organisation and giving back to the industry he loves as an Automotive/Engineering Trainer and Assessor.
Dallas’s journey from a seasoned mechanic to a qualified vocational trainer exemplifies the transformative power of education and mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration to others in the industry, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and the positive impact one individual can have on the future of their field.
“Sharing my knowledge with the next generation has always been a passion of mine and I am grateful to MTA Queensland to have been given this opportunity. In this role, I am not just imparting knowledge; I am also learning. Each student brings a unique perspective, and through our interactions, my understanding deepens. The joy of seeing a concept click, of witnessing a student’s growth, is unparalleled,” said Dallas.
Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland, said professionals like Dallas are the reason the scholarship exists in the first place.
“MTA Queensland is proud to celebrate Dallas’s achievements. This is the very purpose behind our scholarship – to support automotive professionals who are enthusiastic about mentoring the next generation by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to excel. Our goal has always been to foster growth, innovation, and excellence within the automotive industry. By investing in individuals like Dallas, we ensure that the legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and passion continues to thrive.” said Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland.
Dallas will now go in the running for Vocational Student of the Year at the 2024 Queensland Training Awards, with the winner set to be revealed on Saturday, September 7, 2024. MTA Queensland wishes Dallas the best of luck!
For more information on MTA Queensland’s VET Trainer Scholarship, click HERE.