SUPPLIER NEWS - Komatsu welcomes first GDP intake

The first six students from 550 applicants have begun a two-year course under Komatsu Australia’s graduate development program (GDP). The training program is part of the company’s strategy to further progress its talent development goal to ensure there is a steady supply of specialist and management expertise in the sector.

Komatsu’s managing director Sean Taylor says the company has made considerable investments in training and human resources development in recent years. “The GDP builds on such programs as our award-winning apprentice development system for plant and heavy machinery apprentices, as well as our certified technic accreditation system which recognises technical skills and competency excellence.”

The new course is focused on building organizational capability in critical business areas and has recruited a number of recent graduates from various disciplines including three engineering graduates and one each from IT, finance/accounting and business/commerce.

“The program aims to give the graduates an opportunity to develop skills and experience in a range of business areas to prepare them for a career within Komatsu,” says Sean Taylor.

During the two year program, each graduate will spend time in various Komatsu departments at different locations on rotational assignments which they will then provide a 30-minute presentation on to management.

Sean Taylor says this is a major initiative for the company to build its organizational capability and maximize its long-term business sustainability. Graduates who successfully complete the program will be offered on-going employment with Komatsu. He says this strategy will produce future leaders for the company, with a feature of the program being its goal of developing ‘the whole person’.

Komatsu’s national organizational development manager Paul Richardson says, “We concentrate not only on further developing their technical skills relative to their chosen discipline, but also their practical life and business skills.”

These skills development areas include project management, career planning, public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving, OH&S, customer service and emotional intelligence – all aimed at increasing their corporate success.

www.komatsu.com.au