Komatsu has launched its biggest ever recruitment drive to employ technicians in response to improving market conditions.
The campaign, which Komatsu believes is the most targeted ever in the industry, plans to identify technicians in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia who want to be part of the machinery sector and take advantage of global opportunities.
Komatsu is conducting the campaign in regional areas to overcome industry negatives of family dislocation and concerns about job longevity – issues traditionally associated with fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) operations.
Suitably-qualified recruits will be offered careers close to their homes in an effort to achieve a satisfying work-life balance, according to Komatsu.
The campaign comes on the back of an upturn in mining, utilities and construction after a period in which the industries had struggled with skills shortages, especially amongst the next generation of workers.
Komatsu has identified related industries such as the military, marine and aeronautics, as well as the passenger vehicle and light and heavy commercial vehicle sectors, as catchment areas for potential candidates.
The OEM aims to create an inclusive and diverse workforce that will collectively work towards developing new and innovative ideas that sustain the company’s future.
Its GPS-based Komtrax system, Smartconstruction programs and aspects of its Information Communications Technology (ICT) protocols are examples of this innovation.
Komatsu executive general manager people and strategy, Colin Shaw, said the days of a machinery technician being reliant on a spanner and mechanical tools had passed the industry by for a more innovative technology future.
“Mobile technology is the new tool of choice for trouble shooting diagnosis and improving the productivity of our intelligent machines,” Shaw said.
Komatsu also plans to increase the number of females in its workforce as part of a diversity and business growth strategy.
The company runs an in-house training academy spanning a multitude of applications, including high technology machinery and business programs.
Shaw said part of the recruitment drive was based on providing applicants with upskilling opportunities that could turn into life-long careers.
“Skills gained in the Komatsu system are valued in the open market and are transferable to other occupations, although it is our intention not to lose people we’ve trained,” Shaw said.
Komatsu aims to maintain its status as an ’employer of choice’ through the campaign, with the new recruits set to join more than 3000 people already working for the company.
Internal polling at the company found the company tested highly in this regard amongst its current employees and those seeking to join.
“Family values and a culture of inclusion have become a hallmark of Komatsu employment,“ Shaw added.
Komatsu’s initial recruits from the campaign have so far been both successful and unusual.
Qualified jeweller Alex Henley-Baker, 25, has made a complete career switch to become a first-year electrical apprentice with the company.
“Electrical engineering has become the future of all industry,” Henley-Baker said. “A Komatsu qualification allows me to go anywhere in the world, most likely with the same company.”