Case Study 05: Komatsu Australia — 9-Year Average Retention from Zambia

With an average length of service of 9 years.

The International Recruitment of Heavy Equipment Mechanics has been a success for Komatsu Australia.

Measure of ROI – Substantial

Komatsu Australia

Australia

Due To Skills Shortages Komatsu Was Unable to Train, Upskill or Recruit Sufficient Numbers of Heavy Equipment Mechanics and Technicians in Australia To Meet Demand.

Recruit highly skilled and experienced Komatsu Dealer Trained Heavy Equipment Mechanics and Technicians globally that are suitable to work in Australia for Komatsu. Apply for and obtain Australian working visas for the mechanics and technicians and deploy them into Komatsu’s Australian Operations.

Time taken from order placement to client interview – 6 weeks

Zambia

Komatsu Australia Sent a Western Australian Supervisor to Zambia to Interveiw and make the Selections

Time taken from presentation of offer of employment to acceptance of offer – 48 Hours

1st stage of the Australian Working Visa Process – Time taken from nomination lodgement to nomination approval – 10 days

2nd stage of the Australian Working Visa Process – Time taken from visa lodgement to visa approval – 29 days

Time taken from visa approval until arrival in Australia and commencing work at Komatsu Australia – 20 days

The heavy equipment mechanics were initially deployed without their families, their families joined them in Australia at a later date.

The candidates were sourced from industry connections and directly targeted sourcing – no job advertising of the positions were placed in the country targeted.

Immigration Services were provided by an Australian Registered Migration Agent.

Arrange flights, cultural awareness and local familiarisation briefings. Follow up support provided as required.

Candidates were Komatsu Dealer Trained and Mining Company Trained Heavy Equipment Mechanics.

Candidates were tested on their knowledge of Komatsu systems and processes, the use of reusability guides, dis-assembly procedures, their knowledge of contamination control, re-assembly procedures and testing of components.

The candidates were warmly welcomed into Komatsu Australia by their supervisor Matthew (who had flown to Zambia to conduct the interviews in person face to face). And quickly they became integral in the operations of Komatsu Australia.

After almost 10 years one of Komatsu’s largest clients applied pressure and took the workers over onto their books, where the workers are continuing to train and mentor Australians on Mine Sites in Western Australia.

With an average length of service of almost 9 years.

The International Recruitment of Heavy Equipment Mechanics has been a success for Komatsu Australia.

Measure of ROI – Substantial

We contacted a candidate deployed to Komatsu Australia and he had this to say:

He was happy to share his journey and he said “his family and he are now Australian citizens and his life changed for the the better, beyond his wildest dreams”.

He sent us some photos that he wanted to share, of his family attending a Rio Tinto mine site open day. The joy on their faces just shines.

Clearly he and his family have intergrated and excelled in the Australian community, and he is a highly valued employee that has been training and upskill Australians in the mining industry for over ten years.