“A place to belong”: How Kye Chilvers became NextGen Jobs’ NSW Apprentice of the Year

Walk into the Worthington BMW workshop on the NSW Central Coast, and you’ll notice something straight away — it’s spotless. White tiles gleam, it’s freshly painted, the hoists are brand new, and every tool seems to have its place.

For fourth-year apprentice Kye Chilvers, that “insanely tidy”, well-run space represents more than good housekeeping; it’s where he found his calling and earned accolades.

“I’ve always been a hands-on learner,” he says. “At school, I wasn’t great at sitting still or focusing, but when I got to BMW, everything just clicked. The environment, the teamwork, the banter — it just felt like where I belonged.”

Now 20 and nearing completion of his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Kye has already achieved more than most apprentices his age. Through the BMW NextTech program, he became a BMW Registered Technician in just three years — well ahead of schedule — and is currently completing a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, setting himself up to become dual-qualified.

That forward-thinking mindset is driving his next big goal: BMW High Voltage Certification.

“Electric and hybrid cars are the future,” he says. “I want to be the best I can be, and to do that, I need to understand the new tech inside out.”

Learning by doing

Kye’s journey started with two rounds of work experience at Worthington BMW while still at school in Year 10. “I did one week during school and another week in the holidays,” he says. “That second week was my last week of school. I never went back.”

He laughs when he recalls his first days in the workshop. “It was scary. Some of those cars are worth more than $300,000. But everyone was really good teachers. They helped me build confidence, and after a while, it just became normal.”

That same supportive environment continues today — and now, Kye is paying it forward.

“I mentor the first-year apprentices,” he says. “I like letting them be hands-on because if they don’t do the work themselves, they won’t learn. I just watch over them, explain what’s happening, and let them think through the answers. That’s how I learned too.”

Mentorship and momentum

Kye credits his mentors at Worthington BMW — including Service Manager James Nicholas and Technician Mitchel Petersen — with shaping his growth. “Mitch was a great teacher. He trusted me with big jobs early on and let me have a go instead of just sticking me on small services all day. That trust really pushed me to get better.”

With NextGen Jobs Mentor Tamara visiting every six weeks, Kye also had consistent support throughout his training. “She’s great — always checks in, visits the workshop every six weeks, helps with anything that comes up, and keeps me on track,” he says.

Pride in the team

Kye’s pride in his workplace shines through, especially when talking about the BMW Provincial Award that Worthington BMW received from BMW Group Australia. “Everyone sticks together and pushes each other,” he says. “To see it all pay off makes me proud to be part of that team.”

His manager says Kye’s precision, professionalism, and leadership set him apart — qualities that saw him recognised as NextGen Jobs’ NSW Apprentice of the Year for 2025.

Kye was surprised by the award presented in late October. “James hinted a bit, but I didn’t expect to win,” he says. “It’s a nice feeling to be recognised for something you love doing.”

Looking ahead

After completing his High Voltage Certification, Kye plans to progress toward Senior Technician and eventually Master Technician status — goals that could see him reach the top of his trade before he’s 25.

Outside of work, he helps friends and family with their cars, goes to the beach, and occasionally heads to Sydney Motorsport Park or Bathurst to watch the races. “Sometimes it gets busy, but I like helping people,” he says.

It’s that mix of generosity, curiosity, and quiet confidence that makes Kye’s story stand out — proof that when young people find a place where they belong, they can achieve extraordinary things.