Hino has announced it has initiated a new international recruitment program to address the national shortage of skilled heavy vehicle mechanics.
Based on the success its individual dealers have experienced, Hino claims it has devised a new recruitment program to draw skilled workers from the Philippines and train them locally.
“While some Hino dealerships have been successfully recruiting overseas technicians for more than 10 years, we believe we are one of the first truck manufacturers in Australia to undertake a company-wide program such as this,” said Hino Motor Sales Australia’s general manager – product support, Greg Bleasel,,.
“The shortage of technicians is not a new problem and it is industry wide, so much so that heavy vehicle mechanics are recognised as a skill shortage on the Australian Government’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.”
The company says that 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 a face-to-face interview process that will include a theory test, component identification test and English language skills.
It is anticipated that 18 successful candidates are expected to arrive in Australia in April 2020 and then undergo an extensive training program at Hino Australia’s Sydney headquarters, before starting work in their participating Hino dealership.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
Australian-based heavy vehicle mechanics who are interested in becoming Hino technicians can contact their local Hino dealers or call 1300 01 HINO.
