Liebherr-Australia has a strong commitment to the evolution of employee capability and is passionate about developing and growing a program for apprentices that invests in the future of its dynamic people and organisation.
For Liebherr-Australia, positive reinforcement of exemplary performance has been instrumental in developing a culture among its apprentices of always striving to be their best as individuals, while actively encouraging and supporting each other in their apprenticeship journey.
Liebherr apprentices across Australia and New Zealand get the chance to interact as a cohort regularly, starting right at the beginning of their first year with an intensive induction program held at the Sydney branch.
Liebherr Earthmoving Apprentice Coordinator Ami Douglas said Liebherr-Australia started recognising outstanding apprentices across all divisions through a Regional and National award program in 2016.
“As Earthmoving Apprentice Coordinator, my role in the Apprentice of the Year program involves supporting the Service Managers with their nominations, before then working with the nominated apprentices to develop their portfolios and prepare for the interview process,” she said.
“The Apprentice of the Year Awards seek to recognise excellence in the performance and achievement of apprentices who consistently reflect the core values of Liebherr – a global, family-owned and managed organisation.
“We rely on the expertise of our experienced managers and leading hands at each individual branch to nominate those who embody these values as recipients of the coveted Branch Apprentice of the Year.”
The selection process is designed to identify those who consistently go above and beyond. Judges look for a combination of key attributes, each playing a vital role in their development:
Performance: Strong practical skills are fundamental. An Apprentice of the Year is someone who demonstrates a solid understanding of their trade and consistently delivers high-quality work.
Attitude: Apprentices who approach challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are better equipped to adapt to new situations and contribute effectively to team environments.
Application/commitment: Apprentices who demonstrate commitment to their training, consistently put in the effort, and take pride in their work.
TAFE Results: A solid theoretical understanding provides apprentices with the knowledge base to analyse problems, innovate, and adapt to evolving technologies – which are inherent in Liebherr’s technologically advanced machines.
Commitment to HSE: Safety is paramount at Liebherr. A strong safety culture is instilled in apprentices from day one, emphasising the importance of following procedures and contributing to a safe working environment.
Initiative and innovation: Apprentices are encouraged to think critically and contribute ideas for improvement. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement, driving efficiency, and enhancing safety in our workplaces. These skills are vital for future leaders in the industry.
Striving for excellence: Apprentices who consistently strive to improve, both on and off the job, demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
Professionalism: Conducting oneself with integrity and respect is essential for building strong working relationships. The importance of professionalism in all interactions is emphasised, preparing apprentices for success in collaborative work environments.
Embracing opportunities: Apprentices are presented with many opportunities for growth and development. Those who actively seek out and embrace these opportunities demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and a desire to maximise their potential.
“By focusing on these values, Liebherr-Australia demonstrates the understanding that we are not just training skilled tradespeople; we’re developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce and become future leaders in their respective fields. We’re proud to invest in their success and contribute to the growth of the industry,” Ami said.
Successful recipients of Branch Awards are then in the running to compete in the National Apprentice of the Year Award. This is a cross divisional award that takes nominees of all Branches from all Divisions.
Apprentices are asked to provide a portfolio of their work to support their nomination. This portfolio can include a written piece by the nominee; written references from their manager, customers and trainers; as well as photographic evidence of their work.
Ami said the Earthmoving Apprenticeship program directly addresses industry-wide challenges in attracting and retaining talent.
“Liebherr offers competitive compensation packages from the outset, acknowledging the value of investing in future human capital,” she said.
“Combining financial compensation with a focus on providing extensive internal training opportunities, holistic support programs and other non-monetary benefits – such as the Apprentice of the Year award and opportunities to travel — allows us to attract high-calibre applicants and cultivates a culture of professional development.
“By addressing these key factors, our Earthmoving Apprenticeship program secures a resilient workforce, contributing directly to Liebherr’s sustained competitive advantage and market leadership.”
In 2024, there were eight finalists across all Liebherr divisions, including Earthmoving and Mining. Liebherr-Australia’s Earthmoving and Material Handling division was proud to have four finalists competing for the title.
Ultimately, Max Stening, a second-year mobile plant apprentice from the Earthmoving Branch in Christchurch, New Zealand, won the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award. In both his portfolio and his interview, Max stood out with his superior technical skills, and ability to transfer theory to practical application.
“Since becoming an apprentice plant mechanic here at Liebherr, I’ve been able to develop a strong ability to display independence in the work I do,” Max said.
“As I have developed my skills, I have been able to work independently, which has enabled me to develop a deeper set of problem-solving skills. Working for Liebherr as an apprentice plant mechanic is something I’m very proud of.”
“Max’s win was proudly celebrated across Australia and New Zealand Earthmoving and Material Handling branches,” Ami said.
“Apprentices within the program are keenly anticipating the nominations coming up in 2025 and are inspired to continually improve their performance in the hopes of securing a coveted nomination.
“Our Earthmoving and Material Handling division as a whole is boosted by the acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of both the apprentices and the service technicians that support them.”