CMI Toyota Apprenticeship Program 2026: Awards Night & Automotive Careers in Adelaide
CMI Toyota recently hosted its 2026 Apprentice Welcome and Awards Evening, celebrating the achievements of current apprentices while welcoming a new intake into one of South Australia’s leading automotive apprenticeship programs.
Watch the video with all the highlights from the night below.
For over 20 years, the CMI Toyota Apprenticeship Program has provided comprehensive training and career pathways for those pursuing a future as an automotive technician. Designed to support long-term success, the program combines hands-on learning with formal qualifications, helping apprentices build the skills required to succeed in the automotive industry.
This annual event is a key highlight for our team, bringing together apprentices, industry professionals and mentors to recognise progress, celebrate milestones and reinforce the value of investing in the next generation of skilled technicians in Adelaide.
Supporting the Next Generation of Automotive Technicians
Held at our West Terrace dealership in Adelaide, the evening welcomed apprentices and their guests alongside CMI Toyota management, apprentice mentors, representatives from Toyota Australia and our education partners.
The event provided an opportunity for apprentices from across our dealerships to connect, share experiences and gain insight from experienced professionals within the automotive industry. Beginning with a relaxed networking session, guests enjoyed catering from Orlando Catering, while building valuable relationships that support career development in the automotive sector.
Darren Quinn, CMI Toyota Training Centre Manager, opened the evening by acknowledging the contribution of our dedicated Apprentice Mentors. Their expertise plays a critical role in guiding apprentices through their journey, ensuring they are equipped with both the technical knowledge and practical experience required in today’s automotive workforce.
We would also like to sincerely thank our Apprentice Mentors for their ongoing commitment and support: Nick Salangsang, Richard Daniell, Ben Locker, Jack Weger, Aaron Radogna, Ben Reudiger, Sebastian Skilton, Jason Greenham, Simeon Mills, Robert Boots, Chris Newman and Marco Matto.
Recognising Apprentice Achievements and Milestones
A key focus of the evening was recognising the achievements of apprentices at every stage of their journey. From those just beginning their automotive apprenticeship in Adelaide to those completing their final year, the event highlighted the importance of continuous learning and development.
We were proud to officially welcome our 2026 apprentices into the program, marking the beginning of their careers in the automotive industry. At the same time, we celebrated returning apprentices as they progressed through each stage of their training, building the skills needed to become qualified automotive technicians.
The following apprentices represent the future of the automotive industry in Adelaide:
2026 Apprentices
Mackenzie Davis, James Matthews, Jordan Mattingly, Kelly Steele, Rayhan Witford, Fred Zaltron, Cody Gleeson, Eboni Selleck, Tahlia Abbot, Hamish Bourke, Matthew Spark and Peter Adamopoulos.
Second Year Apprentices
Patrick Hayes, Frank Herbut, James Ostrognay, Jordan Tongerie, Kostia Eckermann, Elina Rieger, Perrin Pfennig, Harrison Shone, Chae Wade, Benjamin Haese and Brodi Thornton.
Third Year Apprentices
Brooklyn Beeby, Nicholas Farrar, Caitlin Lucas, Chloe Andrews, Jordan Schrapel, Jonathan Moyle and Chika Pakes.
Fourth Year Apprentices
Beau Baddack, Travis Iaccarino, Andrew Jelisavac, Harrison Kleinschafer, Asher Pelling, Jamie Watson, Madelyn Stefanovic, Menglyheng Chea and Daniel Tran.
2026 Graduates
We were also proud to recognise our graduating apprentices, who have successfully completed their training and are now entering the workforce as qualified automotive technicians: Jessica Cufone, Hamish Smith, Cooper Sleightholme, Vanessa Gaze and Dale Namocatcat.
Celebrating Apprentice of the Year Winners
One of the highlights of the night was announcing the Apprentice of the Year winners, recognising outstanding dedication, skill and commitment across each year level.
These awards reflect not only technical ability but also attitude, work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement, all essential qualities for success in the automotive industry.
First Year Apprentice of the Year
Winner – Patrick Hayes
Runner up – Benjamin Haese
Second Year Apprentice of the Year
Winner – Nicholas Farrar
Runner up – Chika Pakes
Third Year Apprentice of the Year
Winner - Menglyheng Chae
Runner up – Harrison Kleinschafer
Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year
Winner - Cooper Sleightholme
Runner up – Hamish Smith
Inside the CMI Toyota Apprenticeship Program
The CMI Toyota Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide more than just training; it offers a structured and supportive pathway into a long-term automotive career.
Based in Adelaide, the program combines practical, on-the-job experience with formal training through TAFE SA, allowing apprentices to complete a nationally recognised qualification while gaining real-world industry exposure.
Training is further supported through the purpose-built CMI Toyota Technical Training Centre, where apprentices develop advanced technical skills under the guidance of experienced trainers. This integrated approach ensures apprentices graduate with the knowledge, confidence and capability to succeed as automotive technicians.
With a strong focus on safety, teamwork and innovation, CMI Toyota continues to invest in developing the next generation of automotive professionals in South Australia.