Komatsu Australia has launched a program to aid in the development of young talent and showcase the wide range of opportunities in the mining and construction sectors around the country.
The program targets school, university students and early school leavers and also includes initiatives promoting STEM in schools, technical workshops and seminars tailored to students and educators, work experience and placements throughout Komatsu.
Komatsu Australia general manager for people experience Zara Carey said the program will help prepare the next generation of industry leaders with the skills they need for a future in heavy equipment or mining.
“Often people think the only jobs available in heavy industries are for mechanics or service technicians, but as our sector embraces more technology and innovative solutions, our workforce is shifting, too,” she said.
“We’re seeing a stronger focus on STEM opportunities, and we want to demonstrate this variety of career options available to the youth of today.”
Carey said Komatsu is a unique workplace that offers multiple pathways for employment.
“You might start in a hands-on role, but often can shift sideways or upwards to a more managerial or technical role, such as analytics engineering, data science or software development,” she said.
“This is what we want our youth program to promote, that there are different opportunities out there that school leavers might not know of, and Komatsu could just be the place for you.”
Komatsu has partnered with STEM Punks to mark the launch of the program, delivering a workshop for students in years seven to nine where they can learn about autonomous vehicles and the data and technology that drives them, and real-time testing with simulations and challenges.
“We’ve started and ended National Skills Week with these two workshops at our Innovation Hub in Brisbane,” Carey said.
“The students will get to learn about sensor systems, wireless communication, cloud data, and Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC), and how to code and apply these new skills to control a robot platform.
“We’re excited to offer this program in partnership with STEM Punks, and to get our wider youth program underway throughout National Skills Week, as we look to support a future workforce equipped with the technology and skills they need to progress in their careers.”
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