Stephen joined our company in 2004 as a third year apprentice boiler maker. Stephen was initially a great asset in the field as a response technician for one of our major clients, Woolworths. In 2006, Komatsu transferred Stephen to the Sydney workshop where his skills in our Truck Mounted Crane division were best employed. Stephen’s abilities were put to good use with the installation and commission of many of the truck mounted cranes installed in Sydney.
In 2009, Stephen was a participant along with 11 other employees in a TAFE course that ran for 6 months after working hours. This was a conversion course for light vehicle mechanics to train as dedicated forklift mechanics. As Stephen’s trade was boilermaker, he was not able to secure a certificate after the completion of this course however his excellent grasp of the course material coupled with the experience he has gained in the workshop led to further discussions with TAFE.
Recognising Stephen’s completed study as a Boiler Maker plus his experience on the job at Komatsu Forklift the South Western Sydney TAFE put together a training package suited to Stephen’s specific circumstances. Now this course has been successfully completed, Stephen has qualified for his second trade as a Forklift Mechanic.
Sydney Service Manager Stewart O’Donnell attended the Awards night representing Komatsu Forklift Australia. Stewart said “The South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE event at Smithfield RSL Club was great, with employers and employees represented from the Forklift Industry as well as companies in the Heavy Vehicle Industry and Earth Moving Industry.” The awards night kicked off with speeches from Peter Roberts - The Institute Director TAFE NSW, Paul Endicott - General Manager Compliance and Enforcement RTA and included others who all indicated that they have all come up through the ranks from apprentice mechanics to the positions they hold today. This gave weight to the speaker’s message that there is great value to be had by the continuation of learning through institutes such as TAFE.
The results of the awards in this field were:
1st place
Stephen Rimoldi – Komatsu Forklift Australia
2nd place
Mitchell Lohs - IFE Forklifts
Stephen’s head teacher Andrew Cochrane said “Stephen is a joy to teach and shows great ability to take in and retain the required course information. He shows great respect to his fellow students and the teachers alike. We wish Stephen all the best for the future.”
