Komatsu opens Innovation Hub to Clontarf Foundation

As part of its ongoing partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, Komatsu recently showcased the newly-opened Komatsu Innovation Hub in Wacol to a group of Year 9 and 10 Future Leaders in a bid to inspire a future generation of mining and construction professionals.

Komatsu has been a strong supporter of the Clontarf Foundation for a number of years. The non-profit organisation assists in the education and employment of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and more broadly works to improve discipline, life skills and self-esteem.

Komatsu’s Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, Samantha Zanevra and National Operations Manager – East, Scott Alexander, joined the site visit alongside apprentice Andrew Stuart. The students were encouraged to explore the machinery and technology on display – many of them marvelling at the size of the parts and machinery required for mining operations.

According to Alexander, the students asked lots of questions and learned about the importance of a workplace being connected and working towards a common goal.

“We have so many great opportunities that these boys can join us for in a few years’ time if they want. It’s important they can see and be inspired by the options that they can consider for their future.”

Komatsu was recently named the NSW Training Award for Large Employer of the Year. This accolade was largely due to Komatsu’s innovative focus on apprenticeship training through its Apprentice Development System program.

Much like Clontarf Foundation, Komatsu equips apprentices and trainees with important life skills that go beyond the vocational training. These include mental health awareness, public speaking, road safety and fatigue management, drug and alcohol awareness and a variety of business skillsets.

“An apprenticeship with Komatsu is not your average apprentice training program. Some of the students who visited the facility are considering our industry once they leave school,” Zanevra says.

“We hope this visit inspires students to consider a future career in mining or construction when they are finishing school. We know that experiences like this help encourage young people to imagine the possibilities for their future.”