Applications for Komatsu’s apprenticeship program are set to open on 1 July 2023, with the company encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider applying.
The program has earned widespread industry recognition for its highly interactive and technologically advanced learning environment, receiving a Silver Award for Large Employer of the Year and a Silver Award for Employing Australian Apprentices at the National Training Awards in 2022.
Janine Gurney, General Manager – Strategic Capability, at Komatsu Australia, says the program is like no other, offering vast and varied career opportunities once apprenticeships are completed.
“The program is designed in a way that by the time apprentices complete the program, they’ve achieved a competency level that would take an additional year for apprentices trained in other standard programs to achieve. We’re really equipping the next generation in our industry with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their field.”
As well as technical on-the-job skills, Janine says the program focuses on other skills including as mental health awareness, public speaking, road safety and fatigue management, drug and alcohol awareness, and business skillsets.
“This means that an apprenticeship with Komatsu can open doors to various career pathways, not just within Komatsu but right across our industry,” she says. “From maintenance managers to business leaders, product specialists to national capability managers, an apprenticeship with us can take you anywhere and keep your career moving forward.”
The apprentice program is managed through the Komatsu Training Academy, which has two state-of-the-art, purpose-built education centres in Brisbane and Perth.
“Apprentices spend the first three weeks of the program at our training academy, learning from our training experts, which really sets them up for a great start to their apprenticeship,” Janine says. “The workshops are specifically designed to deliver hands-on training for both construction and mining class machines, ensuring that students gain practical skills and experience. Our training facilities also incorporate a number of simulators, so trainees can safely learn on a range of machines from small utility machines, right up to an ultra-class mining machine.
“We’ve invested heavily in our training capabilities, with our aim to ensure that an apprenticeship is the first step to a lifelong career with us.
“We’re encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider applying, from school leavers to those looking for a career change. It doesn’t matter what gender or age you are, or if you have any industry knowledge; if you have an interest in learning more about the machines and the technology that support our construction and mining sectors, then perhaps a Komatsu apprenticeship is right for you.”
Applications for Komatsu’s apprenticeship program open on 1 July 2023. To register your interest, click here.