More than 650 apprentices, employers, and industry partners packed the iconic Adelaide Oval on Friday 13 March, for the South Australian 2026 MTA Graduation and Awards, cementing the centenary celebration as the largest and most prestigious apprentice graduation in the Association's history.
In 2026, nearly 200 apprentices graduated into the workforce, supported by a gala event that also celebrated 19 award winners across the trade.
Taking out the night's top honour, Ethan Lockwood hosted at RMB Service Group was crowned the 2026 MTA Apprentice of the Year.
Female Apprentice of the Year went to MTA Automotive Refinishing apprentice Elly Brake, hosted at Eblen Collision Repairs.
This year saw the introduction of the Dual Trade Apprentice of the Year Award, following a significant rise in apprentices undertaking an automotive dual trade apprenticeship, with numbers nearing 200 in just over 18 months. William Forrest hosted at McLaren Vale Auto Electrical claimed the inaugural award.
The evening was marked by the launch of two landmark initiatives designed to support the next generation of automotive professionals, the MTA Scholarship Program and the MTA Ambassador Program.
“We know that today’s apprentices, who toil away for four years, are facing real-world cost-of-living pressures that can make completing an apprenticeship difficult,” chief executive officer of MTA SA/NT, Darrell Jacobs, said.
The Scholarship Program will provide four annual scholarships to assist apprentices with cost-of-living pressures related to their trade such as tools, fuel, and registration.
Simultaneously, the inaugural nine MTA Ambassadors were announced who will help represent the automotive industry.
“This program is a first-of-its-kind initiative where apprentices will represent their peers, inspire future talent and have direct influence on the way training is delivered,” Jacobs said.
"Tonight we stand at the intersection of tradition and transformation.
"We are celebrating 100 years of automotive tradition while facing the most significant industry transformation and skills challenge in history. The cars and trucks we drive and the machinery we operate will be different tomorrow, but those who embrace this change will have a lifelong career full of pride and passion."
Delivery the keynote address, a week out from polling day, South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer emphasised the rewarding careers an apprenticeship can bring.
“You don’t need to go to university to have a great career,” she said.
“[Every graduate] is a powerful inspiration for the next generation to choose the automotive industry through your stories and experiences.”
South Australian skill commission, Cameron Baker, announced during his speech that MTA Training and Employment will host the WorldSkills Australia 2026 Automotive Refinishing and Automotive Body Repair Regional Competitions. Reinforcing the MTA’s commitment to being an industry leader in training.
Reflecting on the success of the MTA Training and Employment, which was named Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 SA Training Awards, Jacobs urged the graduates to take pride in their milestone.
"You wear the MTA brand just like many who have come before you, make us proud," Mr Jacobs concluded, "Our graduates have demonstrated standout skills and mastered their craft. You are the bridge between our proud past and our high-tech future,” he said.
2026 MTA Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year Award
Ethan Lockwood hosted at RMB Service Group
Female Apprentice of the Year Award
Elly Brake hosted at Eblen Collision Repairs
Dual Trade Apprentice of the Year Award
William Forrest hosted at McLaren Vale Auto Electrical
Most Outstanding Third Year Apprentice Award
Matt Baudinette employed by Barry Maney Group
Most Outstanding Second Year Apprentice Award
Bradley Connor employed by JV Crash Automotive Group
Most Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award
Ally Dedman hosted at Eblen Collision Repairs
MTA Trainer of the Year Award
Martyn Beck – Trainer and Assessor - Heavy Vehicle
MTA Emerging Trainer of the Year Award
Robbie Braithwaite – Trainer and Assessor - Light Vehicle
Bob Goldsworthy Award
Taran Donovan employed by JVS Bodyworks
Cleve Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award
David Hissey employed by Emmetts Crystal Brook
Royal Park Training Centre Apprentice of the Year Award
Ashanyia Smith hosted at North East Mitsubishi
Automotive Industry Employer of the Year Award
JVS Bodyworks
Automotive Employer Commitment to Safety Award
Butler’s Mechanical Pty Ltd
Host Employer of the Year Award
Symons Clark Logistics
Work Experience Employer of the Year Award
Limestone Coast Motorcycles and Small Engines
VET Coordinator of the Year Award
Alana Probert – Student Pathways and Careers Leaders at Brighton Secondary School
Most Outstanding School-Based Apprentice of the Year Award
Kyan Hollins employed by Eblen Subaru
VET in School Student of the Year Award
Jayden Casey – Open Access College
Road to Resilience Award
Jack McPharlin hosted at Wakefield Trucks (SA/NT) Pty Lt
2026 MTA Apprentice Ambassadors
Ethan Lockwood – Fourth-year MTA apprentice undertaking a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship and hosted at RMB Service Group
Ashanyia Smith – Third-year MTA apprentice undertaking a dual trade- Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Automotive Electrical Technology apprenticeship and hosted at North East Mitsubishi
Elly Brake – Second-year MTA apprentice undertaking an Automotive Refinishing Technology apprenticeship and hosted at Eblen Collision Repairs.
Rylee Anning – Third-year MTA apprentice undertaking an Agricultural Mechanical Technology apprenticeship and hosted at Vater Machinery.
William Forrest – Second-year MTA apprentice undertaking a dual trade- Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Automotive Electrical Technology apprenticeship and hosted at McLaren Vale Auto Electrical.
Jessica Ganosis – Third-year MTA apprentice undertaking an Automotive Refinishing Technology apprenticeship and hosed at Eblen Collision Repairs.
Matt Baudinette – Third-year apprentice undertaking a Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship hosted at Barry Maney Ford.
David Hissey – Third-year apprentice undertaking an Agricultural Mechanical Technology apprenticeship and employed by Emmetts Crystal Brook.
Archie Henderson – Second-year apprentice undertaking an Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship and employed by Eagers Automotive.