Komatsu wins major NSW employer award

Komatsu has been named the 2022 NSW Large Employer of the Year, with its company-wide training and development programs the major drivers for the recognition.

Komatsu’s innovative Apprentice Development System (ADS) program is the centrepiece, which began as a pilot 13 years ago and has now seen more than 600 apprentices and trainees participate in a holistic program that extends beyond the ‘traditional’ vocational education training framework.

“In 2009 we ran our first pilot of our ADS program designed around our commitment to train, develop and engage apprentices nationally, despite the fluctuations brought on by industry peaks and troughs,” said Komatsu’s National Technical Capability Manager, Matthew Tosolini.

“The first intake of the new program completed their qualifications in 2013 and many of them continue with the business today.”

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As part of the new approach, Komatsu wanted to equip apprentices and trainees with important life skills. These included mental health awareness, public speaking, road safety, fatigue management, drug and alcohol awareness and a variety of business skillsets.

“We have received feedback that this program has become a benchmark for training nationwide. It has produced measurable results and a higher standard of learning outcomes,” Tosolini added.

“After the apprentices have finished their qualifications and are employed as skilled technicians, their training continues to remain a focus of the Komatsu Training Academy and Technical Capability Team.

“Our Technical Capability Team track their training against courses they attend with ongoing workplace-based assessments to make sure that they have retained the knowledge and are competent.

“We have designed a professional development program that is adult-learning centric. It comprises 70 per cent job experience, 20 per cent practical assessment and 10 per cent classroom-based learning.

“We view our training programs as more than just education programs. We invest in our people as long-term team members for the success of our business and industry.”

Komatsu’s recruitment policies have also been recognised globally, with the company placing in the top three of the Global Talent Board’s 2022 APAC Candidate Experience Awards. The US-based Talent Board is focused on the elevation and promotion of a quality candidate experience against industry benchmarks which highlight accountability, fairness and business impact.

“It has never been a more competitive landscape for trying to attract the best employees, and we take pride in making sure that each and every candidate, across the diverse roles we have on offer, are given a really great Komatsu brand and candidate experience,” said Komatsu Australia Managing Director & CEO, Sean Taylor.

“Ultimately, sitting behind these great achievements are the wonderful staff who live our culture and make up our brand DNA. These awards are a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our passionate employees who deliver on the Komatsu brand promise of creating value together.”