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WesTrac apprentice takes out first place at global competition
WesTrac has reinforced the strength of its apprentice and technician development, with NSW/ACT apprentice Dougal Murphy named the 2026 Caterpillar® Dealer Top Apprentice.
Dougal’s achievement marked WesTrac’s third win in four years at the longest-running Caterpillar apprentice program in the world.
Approaching its 50th anniversary, the Dealer Top Apprentice Program (DTAP) brings together leading apprentices from across the global Caterpillar dealer network, who are tested on their technical capability, diagnostic expertise and communication skills across a series of challenging assessments.
During the five-day program held in March, apprentices competed in practical, theoretical and presentation-based challenges to fight for the title of Caterpillar Dealer Top Apprentice.
The competition included the Skills Olympics, a series of stations designed to test everything from fundamental trade skills through to complex, specialised diagnostic tasks.
Participants were also assessed through a technical theory examination and a presentation delivered to a panel of Caterpillar representatives.
Dougal competed against seven other apprentices from Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, outskilling the competition to take out first place.
Dougal was joined by fellow WesTrac apprentice Ethan Maddocks (WA), who also represented the business at the global event.
Speaking after the event, Dougal said the experience was both demanding and rewarding, and a strong reflection of the training he has received at WesTrac.
“Competing alongside other apprentices from across the globe really highlighted the standard of the program, but it also showed me just how well prepared we are at WesTrac,” Dougal said.
“The training and support you receive gives you confidence in your skills and pushes you to keep improving.”
As the 2026 Dealer Top Apprentice, Dougal was awarded a two-week trip to North America, where he will complete Caterpillar training courses and tour Cat™ facilities, gaining further global industry exposure.
WesTrac Chief Executive NSW/ACT Adrian Howard said the result was a strong endorsement of WesTrac’s long-term investment in people and capability.
“Having WesTrac apprentices recognised at this level year after year shows we are not just keeping pace with global industry standards, we are setting them,” Adrian said.
“This achievement is a testament to the quality of our training programs, the expertise of our educators and mentors, and the dedication of our apprentices.
“We are proud to be developing tradespeople who are both technically capable, and equipped with the confidence and capability to lead our industry into the future.”
WesTrac delivers world-class training through its state-of-the-art facilities across New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia.
This includes the WesTrac Technology Experience Centre in Tomago, which features advanced remote and digital training capabilities, and the WesTrac Institute, providing industry-leading pre- and post-trade training across a range of technical disciplines.
More than 280 apprentices are currently training at WesTrac’s facilities across regional and metropolitan Australia, gaining nationally recognised qualifications while earning and learning on the job.
WesTrac apprentices can complete trade qualifications as plant mechanics, auto electricians, boilermakers, fitter machinists, industrial spray painters, and in selected cases, dual trades which enable graduates to build long-term, highly skilled careers within the business and across the broader industry.
Applications for the 2027 WesTrac Apprenticeship Program will open nationally on 11 May and close on 31 May
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As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of mining and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible. With more than 4,500 staff, WesTrac is focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment.
To achieve this, we commit to building better together through collaboration and collective action. Helping customers achieve their own ESG objectives to reduce emissions through product advancements and technology solutions. This shared goal of a sustainable future for all is why we are focused on Responsibility, Advancement, Community, Inclusivity, Development and Solutions, as a means to deliver long-term positive success for the environment, customers, team members, stakeholders and the wider community.
Community development and support is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions we are based. As part of SGH Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Boral, Coates and SITECH.
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