Hire and Rental News - February 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS Career drive focuses on regional areas for technicians Focused on regional areas, Komatsu held a recruiting drive to employ 300 technicians across Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia starting late last year, for highly capable technicians who want to be part of the machinery sector. C onducted in regional areas to overcome industry negatives of family dislocation and concerns about job longevity which are traditionally associated with FIFO operations, the recruitment campaign followed a rapid upturn in construction, utilities and mining. Komatsu 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. The company runs an in-house Training Academy spanning many applications, including new high technology machinery and business programs. Its GPS based Komtrax system, Smartconstruction concept and aspects of its Information Communications Technology (ICT) protocols have achieved industry leading standards in technology-based solutions. “The days of machinery technicians being reliant on a spanner and mechanical tools are passing us by for a more innovative technology future,” Colin Shaw, Executive GM People and Strategy said. “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 which can turn jobs into life-long careers, Colin 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.” n Visit: www.komatsu.com.au The recruitment drive was also based on providing applicants with upskilling opportunities which might turn jobs into life-long careers New industry representative for lifting equipment association The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has appointed Justin Boehm as the LEEA representative in Australia and New Zealand. L EEA is a global trade association for the lifting equipment industry, established in 1944 and incorporated in 2000 as a not for profit company owned and controlled by its members. An Australian members’ group and local committee was formed in 2009 to provide a local focus, ensure compliance with Australian regulations and standards and provide networking opportunities across the industry. Member companies work in lifting equipment design, manufacture, service and repair, distribution, inspection and hire across Australia. Justin Boehm joins LEEA from the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) where he was regional manager. LEEA CEO, Dr Ross Moloney said: “We are proud to welcome Justin to our association, and we see his appointment as a vital step towards fulfilling our goal of boosting the profile of LEEA membership in Australia and New Zealand.” n Contact: 0400 001 000 or email: justin.boehm@leeaint.com Justin Boehm joins LEEA HIRE19 – Melbourne 22–23 May 2019 The HRIA is returning to Melbourne in 2019 for its national industry convention. HIRE19 will be held 22–23 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. All sponsorship and exhibition stand information is available from Martin Sinclair at the HRIA National office. n Contact: martinsinclair@hireandrental.com.au or 02 9998 2255. P10 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS FEBRUARY 2019