Students from Forest Lake State High School and Mabel Park State High School have swapped the classroom for Komatsu’s Brisbane facility, getting a close-up look at mining and construction machinery as part of a program designed to build awareness of future career pathways.
The visit formed part of the Beacon Foundation’s Growth Industry Preparation Program (GrIPP), which connects students with industry professionals and real-world employment opportunities.
With demand for skilled workers continuing across construction, mining and heavy industry, the program gave students a practical introduction to the types of roles that keep companies such as Komatsu operating.
During the visit, students explored career pathways across supply chain, sales and business development, engineering, customer service and operations. They also learned about machine engineering, warehouse technology, and the servicing and repair work required to support equipment used across mining and construction.
The experience also included immersive virtual reality and simulator applications, giving students a hands-on introduction to machine operations and the technology used in modern heavy equipment environments.
Trevor Hyde, Regional General Manager at Komatsu Australia, said programs such as GrIPP play an important role in helping students understand the range of career options available in heavy industries.
“Many students don’t know how many diverse career opportunities are available to them in heavy industries. Through our 26 yearlong partnership with the Beacon Foundation and their programs, we’re able to help put these opportunities in front of students and help build a strong and diverse future talent pipeline,” Hyde said.
Scott Harris, Chief Executive of the Beacon Foundation, said the program benefits both students and host organisations by connecting young people with industries they may not otherwise experience.
“Young Australians can’t be what they can’t see. The Beacon Growth Industry Preparation Program is a fantastic example of showcasing a whole new exciting employment world to young people,” Harris said.
Komatsu’s involvement in the program forms part of its broader Youth Program, which is focused on creating pathways for the next generation and supporting a more diverse workforce.
Hyde said the Youth Program brings together Komatsu’s grassroots engagement activities under a broader strategic approach.
“Our Youth Program brings together our grassroots engagement activities under one strategic umbrella. Through partnerships with organisations such as the Beacon Foundation, Clontarf Foundation, STEM Punks, Explore Careers, and local schools and universities, it allows us to showcase the wide range of career opportunities in mining and construction to school students, school leavers and university students,” Hyde said.
For fleet, mining and construction employers, the program highlights the importance of earlier engagement with students as competition for technical, operational and support skills continues to increase. By showing students the breadth of roles available beyond traditional machinery operation, programs such as GrIPP can help broaden the future talent pipeline for industries that rely on skilled workers to keep equipment, projects and supply chains moving.
