Ashley Roberts wins best apprentice in the Burnett

A 20-year-old apprentice heavy diesel mechanic has won Burnett’s Best Apprentice poll, narrowly edging out the second-and-third place winners in a tight fight.

Ashley Roberts has been voted Burnett's best apprentice for 2024.

Ashley Roberts, a 20-year-old Apprentice Heavy Diesel Mechanic at Red Ant Trucking Solutions in Kingaroy, has captured the hearts of the South Burnett community, winning the South Burnett and Central North Burnett Times best apprentice poll.

Out of more than 50 nominees from across the South Burnett and Central North Burnett regions, Mr Roberts’s hard work and dedication earned her the most votes from readers.

Mr Roberts clinched the top spot in the poll with 17 per cent of the vote, closely followed by Tyson Whyte, an apprentice diesel fitter at Stanwell, who secured 15 per cent.

In third place was apprentice electrician Jess Bond, garnering 11 per cent of the votes.

Ashley Roberts has been voted Burnett’s best apprentice for 2024.

Mr Roberts success didn’t stop at the poll, as she also received a wave of support on social media.

“I have a lot of appreciation and gratitude for all the support I had for this, and for every aspect of my life,” Mr Roberts said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant support of my friends and family.”

Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Mr Roberts moved to the South Burnett eight years ago.

His passion for mechanics developed through his father, who collected and restored vintage machinery.

“As I got older, I started to get more involved with it and eventually started buying my own machinery to work on,” he said.

“From there, the interest in mechanics grew, and when I realised I could pursue a career in it, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Mr Roberts’s apprenticeship at Red Ant Trucking Solutions, under the guidance of Carl Price, has been both rewarding and challenging.

“In my short time there, I’ve already learnt a lot. Learning to diagnose the causes of issues has been my greatest challenge,” he said.

“Being told what to fix is easy enough, but to be able to diagnose the source of the problem and what is involved with fixing it is a whole different experience.”

Ashley Roberts has been voted Burnett’s best apprentice for 2024.

In addition to her apprenticeship, Mr Roberts volunteers as an Auxiliary Firefighter with the Queensland Fire Department, balancing both roles with ease thanks to his supportive teams.

“While it can seem difficult to balance both, it’s very easy. I keep the two jobs separate,” he said.

“While at work, I focus on my apprenticeship, and during my off hours, I train and respond as an auxiliary firefighter.”

He said his inspiration to join the fire service, much like his passion for mechanics, stems from his father.

“The greatest skill I’ve learnt is how to communicate well in a team. On the fireground, having clear communication skills can mean the difference between success and injury, that also goes for the workshop,” he said.

“Working with heavy equipment can be dangerous if you don’t communicate clearly.”

Mr Roberts volunteers as an Auxiliary Firefighter with the Queensland Fire Department.

When asked what advice he would give to young people considering careers in trades or emergency services, Mr Roberts encouraged them to “be confident”.

“If going for an interview, keep eye contact and shake their hand. Never say no to any opportunities that come up, everything’s an experience,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of trying work experience first before committing to an apprenticeship.

“See what you’re in for before committing to a four-year apprenticeship in case it’s not actually what you want to do.”

Looking ahead, Mr Roberts is focused on his future and has set clear goals for himself.

“My primary goal is to complete my apprenticeship and gain my qualification,” he said.

“As for the fire department, my goal is to become a training officer one day so I can help train young recruits.

“Being able to help, no matter how small the issue is, is very rewarding,” he said.