Quick Answer
Komatsu apprentices Ruby, Jacob, Ben and Teagan show how apprentices strengthen heavy-industry teams. Common themes from their stories:
- Mentorship matters — strong tradespeople grow strong apprentices
- Diversity works — women like Ruby and Teagan are thriving as diesel fitters
- Real responsibility builds confidence faster than classroom-only training
- Apprentices become future leaders when employers invest early
For National Apprenticeship Week Australia, we partnered with Komatsu to speak directly with their apprentices across the country. What we heard was inspiring — stories of challenge, growth, mentorship, and the real impact apprentices have on their teams every day.
These aren't just "apprentices learning a trade." They're contributing team members who bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date technical knowledge, and the kind of energy that strengthens workplace culture. Here are their stories.
Ruby Livingstone
Ruby chose an apprenticeship for the real-world exposure and hands-on learning it provides. Now in her fourth year as a Mobile Plant Mechanic with Komatsu, she's become a testament to what dedication and the right support system can achieve.
"My particular trade requires me to understand a variety of complex, interrelated systems, and have the practical capacity to diagnose and repair them. I work in an environment of high safety risks, and high-value operations, where mistakes can have very tangible, dangerous and costly consequences."
— Ruby on bridging theory and practice
On Building a Support System
Ruby emphasises that support is foundational to apprentice development. Early in her apprenticeship, she felt underdeveloped without a clear plan on how to progress. Her solution was proactive:
"To develop my support network, I compiled a list of tradespeople that adhere to best work practices, safety culture and display a positive work ethic, who are also willing to impart their knowledge. These contacts have been essential for my competency progression, and development of knowledge that isn't taught through TAFE."
What Apprentices Bring to the Team
Ruby sees apprentices as more than just learners — they're active contributors:
- Up-to-date technical knowledge: "TAFE exposes apprentices to current technical education, which can complement the knowledge of experienced tradespeople. My up-to-date knowledge of new machine emission systems has allowed me to work together with tradespeople to successfully diagnose faults."
- Fresh perspective: "The culture of constant questioning can allow for the identification of inefficiency, or creation of alternative workplace methods."
- Essential labour support: "Apprentices perform time-consuming tasks, allowing tradesmen to focus on more complex/critical tasks."
Jacob Borg
Based in Komatsu's South East Region rental division, Jacob is about to start his third year. He chose an apprenticeship for two reasons: earning while learning, and the value Komatsu invests into their apprentices.
"Apprenticeships provide the skills to ensure growth happens, making apprentices the foundation of the future."
"Apprenticeships do come with challenges, days of wondering if you have picked the right career or not, and days where boring and time-consuming tasks may make you lose all patience. However, that is a part of learning and I am lucky to be surrounded by good people who are always willing to help me through these situations."
— Jacob on the reality of apprenticeships
The Importance of Early Support
Jacob is clear about what happens when apprentices don't get the support they need:
"When challenges are faced without talking to people or figuring out ways through them, it causes a massive loss in motivation and enthusiasm. This therefore causes more doubt in doing tasks and can effectively make us as apprentices not want to complete the apprenticeship and give up."
His advice for first-year apprentices? "Be patient and do not try to rush your apprenticeship. Take the time to learn as much as you can and take pride in everything you do. Be willing to work at a high standard and ask lots of questions."
What Makes a Strong Apprenticeship
Jacob believes the following are essential:
- Being supported through mistakes
- Being taught correct procedures and safety requirements
- Having a good workplace culture to learn in
Ben Cordell
Ben started his apprenticeship with Komatsu in January 2023. His path into the trade was almost inevitable — both his grandfathers were diesel fitters, so he grew up surrounded by engines and heavy equipment.
"An apprenticeship gave me the perfect opportunity to turn that interest into a career, allowing me to learn on the job while gaining practical experience and qualifications."
"I didn't realise how much technology is involved in modern diesel fitting. There's a lot more diagnostics, electronics, and computer-based systems than I expected. I was also surprised by how important teamwork and communication are on the job, as well as how much responsibility you're trusted with early on."
— Ben on what surprised him about the industry
The Power of a Great Mentor
Ben credits his apprentice mentor Kate Pemberton with making a significant difference in his apprenticeship, particularly when the paperwork felt overwhelming:
"Kate stepped in and worked with me, helping me break the process down into manageable steps and showing me ways to track my progress efficiently. She also held me accountable, regularly checking in to see how I was doing and encouraging me to stay on top of deadlines."
"Beyond just helping with paperwork, Kate's mentorship taught me valuable skills in organisation, time management, and perseverance. Her support made a challenging part of the apprenticeship achievable."
What Ben Is Most Proud Of
"I'm most proud of the hands-on experience I've gained, especially the opportunity to do field service and complete full life's on Komatsu D375 dozers. Being able to work on such complex machines from start to finish has really helped me develop both my technical skills and my confidence. I take pride in seeing a machine leaving the workshop, knowing that the work I've done has a direct impact on its performance and reliability onsite."
Advice for New Apprentices
"Be patient with yourself and understand that it takes time to learn the trade. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're basic. Turn up on time, have a good attitude, and be willing to have a go at any task, even the dirty ones."
Teagan
Teagan represents the growing number of women making their mark in heavy industry. Working at Komatsu, she's proving that the trade welcomes anyone with the drive and commitment to succeed.
Mobile Plant Mechanic — 2nd Year
Teagan is in her second year as a Mobile Plant Mechanic apprentice at Komatsu. We asked her about her journey so far.
On Self-Doubt in the Early Stages
"Yes, but thankfully I have a great management team and work colleagues which helped with that."
What Happens When Apprentices Don't Get Support
"I believe apprentices not getting enough support early on greatly affects their confidence and independence in the workshop. They doubt themselves and don't speak up for help and assistance when needed — they aren't learning new skills. They don't enjoy the apprenticeship as much."
On Mentorship and Team Support
"During my apprenticeship I have not met a tradesman, supervisor or fellow apprentice at Komatsu who is not willing to help me with any trouble or questions I may have. I have built a great relationship with multiple tradesmen and a 3rd year apprentice who have helped me drastically during my apprenticeship, and both of my leading hands have been extremely helpful, supportive and encouraging throughout my 1st year."
Advice for First-Year Apprentices
"Ask as many questions as you can — there is no such thing as a stupid question. Get in and give it 110%. Put your hand up for anything, show initiative and interest, and you will learn so much."
— Teagan's advice to new apprentices
A Message for National Apprenticeship Week
"Don't ever think you aren't capable of doing something. Give everything a go, give everything 110%, have faith in yourself and you will succeed — and enjoy yourself, it goes so quickly."
— Teagan's message during NAWA
Key Takeaways from Komatsu Apprentices
- Support is everything: Every apprentice stressed the importance of mentorship, patience, and being supported through mistakes.
- Apprentices add real value: They bring up-to-date technical knowledge, fresh perspectives, and essential labour support that makes teams more efficient.
- Modern trades are technical: Today's apprentices are working with advanced diagnostics, electronics, and computer systems — not just spanners and wrenches.
- Patience pays off: Every apprentice emphasised taking time to learn properly rather than rushing through.
