During COVID, Inndyah Chenoweth spent her weekends accompanying her dad as he serviced trucks for their family business, East Coast Furniture Transport.

Eager to lend a hand, she began assisting with basic tasks like fitting lights and it was those early experiences that laid the foundation for Inndyah’s growing interest in the electrical side of truck mechanics.

Inndyah’s journey with Hallam Truck Centre began in 2020 as a 15 year old, when her curiosity and drive led her to organise school-based work experience.

After a week, we were excited to offer Inndyah an auto electrical apprenticeship, which she gladly accepted!

“I loved the people I was working with and loved working here, so I filled out the paperwork and at the end of the school year, I started,” says Inndyah.

Today, Inndyah spends one day at TAFE and the rest of the week in our workshop, learning from her mentors and fellow team members while working on trucks.

“In my first year, I shadowed someone every day, just learning. Then, in my second year, I started doing jobs on my own. By my fourth year, I was mostly working independently. I still ask questions though, no one knows everything,” explains Inndyah.

With the ongoing support from her team, backed by our strong focus on continued learning, Inndyah is now nearing the completion of her auto electrical apprenticeship.

Looking ahead, she has set her sights on expanding her skills into heavy diesel mechanics.

“The whole team here at Hallam Truck Centre, especially the guys in the workshop, are great. They are so helpful and supportive. I was a bit worried when I first started, I was only fifteen when I began. But I have never had an issue”.

As part of her apprenticeship, Inndyah regularly speaks with customers during truck servicing, discussing any issues directly with them, which assists in having a better understanding of the problems firsthand.

“The drivers are great, if I speak to them, they are always very nice, polite, not trying to tell me how to do my job. They ask, ‘is this the issue’ and I’ll explain what’s going on and they are very receptive,” says Inndyah. 

In 2024, Inndyah was in her third year and was selected to compete in the prestigious DAF Technician of the Year competition. Each year, PACCAR Australia hosts the Technician of the Year competition, bringing together service technicians from across PACCAR dealerships Australia-wide - to be selected to complete is a fantastic achievement!

The Technician of the Year Finals were held at PACCAR’s Bayswater factory and finalists underwent a full day of rigorous, hands-on assessments. These tested their technical skills, engine expertise, product knowledge, and overall professionalism.

This competition is designed to challenge even the most experienced technicians and recognise those who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication.

Out of a strong field of contenders, Inndyah proudly placed fourth in the DAF Technician of the Year category, an impressive achievement that reflects both her expertise and commitment to continuous growth.

Inndyah’s story is one of passion, persistence, and progress. From weekend truck servicing with her dad to earning national recognition in a highly competitive field, she has set out a path defined by skill, curiosity, and determination.

As she completes her apprenticeship and sets her sights on new technical challenges, Inndyah continues to push boundaries and inspire those around her. With the support of her Hallam Truck Centre team and a clear vision for her future, her journey is only just beginning.