Tag Archives: mining skills shortage

Komatsu reacts to skills shortage issue with recruitment drive in Australasia

Komatsu has announced what is thought to be the most targeted recruit campaign in the industry as it looks to bolster its local employee base across Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

The drive – its biggest to date – is intended to identify and provide opportunity for highly capable technicians who want to be part of the machinery sector and take advantage of global opportunities in the future, the company said.

“The campaign comes on the back of a rapid upturn in construction, utilities and mining after a period in which the industry had been left with a skills shortage, especially amongst the next generation of technicians,” Komatsu said.

Komatsu’s search is being conducted in regional areas to overcome industry negatives of family dislocation and concerns about job longevity traditionally associated with fly-in-fly-out operations.

“Suitably qualified recruits are being offered careers close to their homes in a purposeful drive to achieve a satisfying work-life balance,” the company said.

Komatsu has identified related industries such as the military, marine and aeronautic sectors as well as the passenger vehicle, and light and heavy commercial vehicle markets as catchment areas for potential candidates.

“We intend to create a truly inclusive and diverse workforce which will collectively work towards creating new and innovative ideas that sustains our Komatsu into the future. We know our industry needs to be more receptive of this and, in particular, increasing our female workforce is a key part of our diversity and business growth strategy,” Komatsu said.

Komatsu, which employs some 3,000 people, runs an in-house training academy spanning a multitude of applications, including new high-technology machinery and business programmes.

Its GPS based Komtrax system, SMARTCONSTRUCTION programmes and aspects of its information communications technology protocols have achieved industry-leading standards in technology-based solutions, it says.

Colin Shaw, Executive GM People and Strategy, said: “The days of a machinery technicians being reliant on a spanner and mechanical tools are passing us 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.”

Part of the recruitment drive is based on providing applicants with upskilling opportunities that can turn jobs into life-long careers, Shaw said.

“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,” he said.