A new international Hino technician recruitment program to address the national shortage of skilled heavy vehicle mechanics has been initiated by Hino Motor Sales Australia (HMSA).
The new recruitment program, however, draws on skilled workers from the Philippines who will be trained locally.
It is reportedly based on the success experienced by individual dealers in which overseas technicians have been recruited for more than ten years.
“We believe we are one of the first truck manufacturers in Australia to undertake a company-wide program such as this,” said Greg Bleasel, Hino Motor Sales – General Manager Product Support.
“The shortage of technicians is not a new problem and it is industry wide, so much so that heavy vehicle mechanics are recognized as a skill shortage on the Australian Government’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List,” he said.
Experienced automotive and truck industry recruiters in the Philippines will be joined by a team from HMSA and its dealer network later this month to evaluate potential candidates in an interview process that will include a theory test, component identification test and English language skills.
By April 2020, 18 successful candidates are expected to arrive in Australia before undergoing an extensive training program at Hino’s Sydney head office.
“Our focus in the program will be on the quality of the people themselves, then through thorough training equipping them with all the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure Hino Australia’s exacting standards are delivered in service at all times,” said Bleasel.
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“We consider our training to be industry-leading, starting with a comprehensive induction program and ongoing training courses, mentored by highly-skilled trainers and industry professionals,” he said.
“Learning is ongoing to support the latest in technology and equipment and there is also the opportunity to test skills and knowledge at our annual Skills Contest.”
Hino dealerships participating in the new recruitment initiative include Adtrans Hino, CMI Hino Melbourne and Adelaide, Prestige Hino, Sci Fleet Brisbane, Wagga Trucks and WA Hino.
