Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has welcomed one of its largest groups of forklift technician apprentices since 2007, with 16 new recruits joining the company’s 2026 Annual Apprentice Intake.
Competition for places in the program was exceptionally strong, with just 16 candidates selected from more than 1000+ applicants—highlighting the high demand and prestige of the initiative.
The apprenticeship program is designed to develop critical, in-demand skills, equipping participants with valuable technical expertise while creating strong, long-term career opportunities within TMHA.
The new apprentices were officially welcomed at an induction event held on April 29, 2026, at the TMHA Customer Experience Centre in Moorebank, NSW. Each apprentice attended alongside their mentor, meeting senior TMHA executives and gaining insight into the company’s culture and operations.
As part of the onboarding experience, apprentices were also invited to stay at RYDGES Campbelltown on the evening of April 28, where they attended an informal dinner with TMHA executives.
The induction included a safety overview, an introduction to Toyota’s history, values and expectations, and a guided tour of the Moorebank facility. Following a shared lunch, apprentices were presented with their tools of trade—marking a significant investment in their future.
The successful applicants will now begin their journey across TMHA branches nationwide, including locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Lismore.
TMHA’s four-year apprenticeship program has been running successfully since 2007, building a strong pipeline of skilled technicians.
TMHA National Manager – Lean Management and After Sales Evaluation Cert, Gerry Larney, said the program plays a vital role in developing new talent.
“We use the apprenticeship program to grow our skills base and forklift technician workforce, and it has proven extremely successful,” Mr Larney said.
He added that the program offers extensive career pathways, with many apprentices going on to build long-term careers within the business.
“We have employees who started as apprentices and are still with Toyota more than 30 years later,” he said.
“It’s an excellent career pathway. Many have progressed into roles such as service managers, branch managers and sales managers. There are very few limits—if individuals continue to build on their technical skills, they can take their careers in many different directions.”
Apprentices receive comprehensive, hands-on training under the guidance of experienced mentors and are exposed to all areas of the service business, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
For the past 19 years, TMHA has delivered the program in-house, maintaining a strong focus on safety, skill development and supporting apprentices throughout their four-year TAFE studies.
To learn more about careers with TMHA, visit:
https://www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au/careers/
TMHA has inducted a new group of technical apprentices pictured here with TMHA management team