Evan Crisafulli is North QLD apprentice of the year

The 22-year-old diesel fitter is racking up a brilliant record as one of Queensland’s most impressive workers and he could soon be crowned the state’s best apprentice.

At the age of just 22, star diesel fitter Evan Crisafulli has already staked out his position as one of Queensland’s most impressive workers, winning this year’s North Queensland Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Award.

The win puts the young gun on a hat-trick.

Earlier in the year he won Hastings Deering’s 2021 Apprentice of the Year award and he is now in contention for a statewide gong, to be decided in September.

But his journey into the world of mining was not always certain.

Mr Crisafulli was raised on a cane farm near Ingham and said he thought he might follow his father’s path into the sugar industry.

“It is a good lifestyle,” he said.

“Motorbikes, four wheelers, swimming in creeks, the opportunity to work the land from a young age.

“A bit of a different lifestyle I think a few people wish they had.”

Hastings Deering’s Evan Crisafulli (right) with Hastings Deering sponsored 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup racing driver Harri Jones. Picture: Contributed

After finishing his school-based apprenticeship, he “applied around” and a call from Hastings Deering took him from Ingham to Townsville and from sugar to mining.

“It (the mining industry) was all new and interesting to me,” he said.

Mr Crisafulli now works in Paget and says the tricky thing about diesel fitting is the troubleshooting element, or diagnosing what has gone wrong with a piece of machinery.

“It is probably the most exciting too – the wanting to find out what the problem is,” he said.

“I always find it challenging but exciting to find out what the issue is.”

Mr Crisafulli completed his apprenticeship in three-and-a-half years and can strip back mammoth machines like haul trucks, graders, bulldozers and loaders right back to a bare chassis.

Mr Crisafulli is no longer “on the tools” and is now a leading hand, managing a group of diesel fitters and apprentices.

Mackay diesel fitter Evan Crisafulli stands with Hasting Deering manager Katrina Shaw. Mr Crisafulli was named Hastings Deering's 2021 Apprentice of the Year. Picture: Supplied

Hastings Deering’s general manager people and culture Peter Rigbye said Mr Crisafulli showed leadership qualities beyond his years.

“He not only knows his way around machinery but is great with people: routinely mentoring apprentices working with him,” Mr Rigbye said.

“This training award acknowledges his commitment to teaching others and sharing his skills.”

For youngsters in school who might wish to take on his trade, Mr Crisafulli has some advice:

“It is a really great trade and it is ever evolving,” he said.

“It is just a really interesting field to get into.”

Originally published as Evan Crisafulli is North QLD apprentice of the year