From Motorsport to Mechanics
How Trent Couacaud Bridges Dealership Hiring with Real Industry Insights If you had told me 15 years ago that I’d go from working trackside at the to helping dealerships find their next top technician, I’d probably have laughed. But here I am, working alongside Tavis Shearer, Founder of TRS Resourcing, as I step into recruitment,…
How Trent Couacaud Bridges Dealership Hiring with Real Industry Insights
If you had told me 15 years ago that I’d go from working trackside at the to helping dealerships find their next top technician, I’d probably have laughed.
But here I am, working alongside Tavis Shearer, Founder of TRS Resourcing, as I step into recruitment, after more than a decade under the bonnet and working on the tools. And honestly, it feels like a natural next step.
With this knowledge behind me, I know firsthand what makes a great technician, and I also know how hard it can be for businesses to find one.
From Racetracks to Workshops
My career started in motorsport, working with support teams such as Formula Ford, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Development Supercars. It was fast paced, the pressure was constant, and precision mattered more than anything. After that, I moved into the dealership world with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, completing my apprenticeship and progressing through roles as Technician, Quality Controller, and Service Advisor.
That journey taught me two big lessons:
- The right person in the workshop can make all the difference.
- Recruitment isn’t about paperwork, it’s about people.
And those lessons are what I now bring to my new desk at TRS Resourcing.
The Rally of Automotive Recruitment in 2025
Honestly, finding tradespeople in Australia isn’t easy. The industry is changing quickly with EVs, new diagnostic technology, and a generation of technicians who are in short supply.
According to recent data from the Motor Trades Association of Australia, roles such as Diesel Mechanics, Auto Electricians, and Fabricators are still in high demand, especially in Victoria. Even though more workshops are expanding their workload and staff requirements, the talent pool isn’t keeping up.
Why I Swapped the Spanner for Recruitment
Having spent all this time in dealerships, I know what it’s like when you’re short on good staff. It throws the whole rhythm off, causing delays, return repairs, stressed teams and unhappy customers. However, I also know what a difference the right hire can make, as I understand both sides of the workshop door.
I’ve seen technicians who can diagnose complex faults faster than most computers, and apprentices who just need the right mentor to shine. My goal now is to connect those people with the right workshops, and that’s one of the things that excites me about this role. I still get to work in the automotive space, just from a new angle.
Bridging the Gap Between Workshop and Office
When you’ve spent years covered in oil and another few behind a service desk, you learn both languages, the one the technicians speak and the one the managers speak.
A big part of what I do now is translate between the two. If a client says they need a “qualified diesel mechanic with a strong diagnostic mindset,” I know exactly what that looks like
It’s about skill sets, attitude, communication, and how someone fits into the workflow. Because in a dealership or workshop, the wrong personality can slow down productivity faster than a flat battery!
The Trades I Recruit For
I’m currently recruiting across Victoria for trades and technical roles within:
- Car & Truck Dealerships
- Panel Beating Shops
- Equipment Rental Businesses
The kinds of positions I focus on include:
- Auto Electricians
- Hydraulic / Pneumatic Fitters & Technicians
- Boilermakers / Fabricators
- Mobile Motor Mechanics
- Qualified Diesel Mechanics
- Sales Consultants
- Finance Managers
If you’ve ever worked in or run a workshop, and I have worked the shop floor to front of house, you’ll know, the people are the backbone of every business. Without them, nothing moves, literally.
The Businesses I Work With
I’m lucky to already be working with some incredible Australian automotive companies. Who keep our roads, fleets, and customers moving every day. I’m now partnering with them and have a good view of what’s really happening in the market.
My mission at TRS is to make recruitment in this space feel more human again, where professionalism meets personal service. I want to help great technicians find workplaces where they’re respected and help businesses find people who lift the standards.
For me, that means being honest in every conversation, working hard to truly understand what both sides need, and keeping learning at the forefront. I’m still working with engines and people, just in a different way now. So, if you’re a business owner, workshop manager, or tradesperson looking for your next opportunity, let’s talk. I know what it’s like to be on both sides, and I’m here to help you.
