Starting on the Spanners: “Cookie’s” Journey in the Truck Industry

Regardless of what you’re into, those that rise to the top and truly succeed in their chosen field had to start somewhere. It doesn’t always go exactly to plan, but learning about someone else’s experience helps to map the route.   

We sat down with Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) National Service Technical Manager, Brenton ‘Cookie’ Cook to chat about his own working journey from a young apprentice straight out of high school to becoming one of the most highly regarded technical service Managers in Australia.    

Q: How did you get started in the automotive/truck industry?  A: “My passion began at school. I loved seeing trucks on the road and knew I wanted to be either a driver or a technician.   

“I’d always been hands-on, from building bikes, helping my dad and brother with building sand buggies, so an apprenticeship felt natural. I finished Year 12 to meet trade requirements, and in 1987, I applied widely, even to companies not advertising roles.   

“Taking the Motor Trades Association (MTA) exam (Was an aptitude test covering maths and spatial reasoning and results provided to the motor industry) helped me land three apprenticeship offers! I chose International Trucks and never looked back.”

Q: What was your career progression like?  A: “I started as an apprentice at International Trucks, after finishing my apprenticeship I then moved into roles like Foreman, Service Contact, and Warranty Clerk to further my knowledge and experience in the field.   

“I always volunteered for extra training and be it automatic transmissions, new models, breakdown repairs, Diesel injection systems all of which built my reputation as the ‘go-to’ person. Never turning down the opportunity to better myself I would always accept requests to work more hours, run the afterhours breakdown service or supervise the afternoon shift. After 14 years with Internationals, I joined a Kenworth / Mitsubishi dealership as Workshop Manager which added to my industry experience and product knowledge.   

“Later, I travelled Australia for three years in a motorhome, working short stints at dealerships like Isuzu Brisbane and Tony Ireland Isuzu Townsville. That flexibility led to an offer of a Service Manager role back in Brisbane (The next step in experience for my career), then Technical Trainer, Isuzu Australia Limited Zone Service Technical Manager  for Queensland (The role I aspired to from a time early in my career), and finally my current role as National Service Technical Manager at Isuzu Australia.”  

Q: What’s your top advice for apprentices or newcomers?  

1. Commit to the hard yards: “Apprentice wages are low, but the long-term payoff can be huge. Be the keenest person in the room—clean the bays, stay back for urgent jobs, and absorb every lesson that comes your way.”   
2. Build your reputation early: “This industry is small. How you start your career sticks with you for life. Do right by people, and they’ll open doors later.”  
3. Seek diverse experience: “Choose a path offering broad exposure to all aspects of diagnostics and mechanical repairs (e.g., engines, transmissions, diffs). Avoid specialising in one area of the trade too early, it limits future options down the track.”  
4. Find a mentor: “They’ll help map your path from technician to leadership. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I want your job one day.’”

Q: How has the technician role evolved?  A: “The ‘greasy illiterate mechanic’ stereotype is incorrect.   

“Today’s trucks can have in excess 19 control modules operating complex systems from engine control to EAB (Emergency Automated Braking) systems—they (trucks) are basically rolling computers. Technicians now can specialise in areas such as diagnostics, emissions systems, electronics or component rebuilding.   

“Servicing is cleaner and more tech-focused, but problem-solving remains core. The trade offers multiple paths: stay hands-on, move into leadership, or pivot into training/product support.”  

Q: What’s your view on the industry’s future, especially with EVs?  A: “Change is constant—we’ve seen massive shifts in technology in the last few decades—but technicians aren’t disappearing anytime soon. There will always be a requirement to maintain and repair the vehicles required for transport.   

“EVs will find their niche, but ICE (internal combustion engines) and hybrids will continue to dominate long-haul and heavy-duty applications for decades.”  

Cookie’s top tips:  

• Skills will adapt: EV maintenance is less greasy but demands new diagnostics/electrical expertise.  

• AI will assist, not replace: Tools like AI will help troubleshoot, but human judgment and interpersonal skills are irreplaceable.  

• Stability remains: COVID proved this. Trucks kept moving, technicians kept working...it’s a necessity-driven industry even in the toughest of times.  

Q: Any final thoughts for someone considering this career?  A: “This isn’t just a job—it’s a foundation for life. The problem-solving, customer management and tech skills open doors well beyond the workshop floor.”  

• Job security: Trucks underpin the economy; you’ll always have work.  

• Global opportunities: My mechanical skills let me travel Australia and work anywhere.  

• Pride in mastery: Few feelings beat diagnosing a complex fault and fixing it.  

Key takeaways  Cookie’s journey from apprentice to national leader in his field highlights what makes this trade exceptional…  

• Loyalty pays off: Cookie spent 14 years with early employers, building trust and expertise.  

• Embrace every opportunity: Volunteering for tough jobs and training made him indispensable.  

• Relationships matter: Cookie’s network (not a university degree) propelled his career. Mentors and peers recommended him for roles he didn’t apply for.  

• Adaptability is key: From diesel engines to AI diagnostics, those who learn thrive.