Rockhampton local named Hastings Deering Apprentice of the Year

Caterpillar dealer for Queensland and Northern Territory, Hastings Deering, wrapped up its annual Apprentice of the Year competition last week and has named 24-year-old Aidan Rankin, from its Rockhampton branch, as the winner of this year’s awards.

Joining six other trade-qualified peers in a head-to-head four-day event, Aidan embarked on a series of challenges from assessing component faults to pipe construction; and from solving electrical problems to taking on customer service scenarios to ultimately take home the top prize.

Running for over 45 years, Hastings Deering's Apprentice of the Year competition brings together some of the dealership's most talented apprentices from Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Papua New Guinea. 

Aidan said his success and drive to develop his trade skills was inspired by his father, Andrew, an ex-Diesel Fitter and current Apprenticeship Coordinator.

However, deciding to become trade qualified with Hastings Deering wasn’t a natural choice for him after school.

“My father played a big role in shaping myself and my career, as I spent a lot of time in my childhood assisting him with mechanical work,” Aidan said.

“After high school I went straight into studying at university. It took me about two years, but I eventually realised it wasn’t right for me.

“I had always been interested in mechanics and hands-on work, but it wasn’t until dad suggested an apprenticeship that I went for it, and I’m so glad I did.”

“I am incredibly proud to have won this award and to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far, particularly the Hastings Deering training team, who do a fantastic job of training our people to be the best they can be.”

As a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Hastings Deering said it is committed to the cultivation of skills and practical education of upcoming trainees and apprentices.

The company’s apprenticeship program is one of the largest of its kind in Queensland, with over 140 apprentices currently completing their training.

Hastings Deering’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mark Scott, said the annual inter-workshop competition is the culmination of skills, dedication, and commitment to quality work that each member of Hastings Deering lives and breathes. 

“Investing in our workforce of the future has never been more important,” he said.

“This competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year, because it not only celebrates a cohort of high-calibre and dedicated apprentices but the trainers within our network who are bringing up the next generation of Hastings talent.

“I sincerely congratulate all participants in this year’s event and wish Aidan good luck for the Australasian competition in February.”

As the Hastings Deering Apprentice of the Year, Aidan will be representing the dealership in the Indo-pacific Caterpillar competition held in Melbourne next month.

There, he will take on the best Caterpillar apprentices from dealerships across the rest of Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. If he wins this round, he will travel to the United States for specialist training.

For more information about Hastings Deering’s apprentice training program, visit Hasting Deering’s website.