Caitlin Ritchie, third year apprentice
Third-year Komatsu New Zealand heavy diesel apprentice, Caitlin Ritchie, always knew she wanted a job that was both hands-on and allowed her to learn on the go. When she finished high school, she wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do, until someone recommended that her brother apply for an apprenticeship with Komatsu.
“My old man is a mechanical engineer, so we’ve always grown up around the mechanical side of things, and I’d heard good things about Komatsu, so I decided to swoop in over my brother when someone suggested he apply,” Caitlin says.
“I actually got offered a university placement in a mechanical engineering degree, but when the offer came from Komatsu, I knew it was more suited to how I like to work and learn, so I took the apprenticeship opportunity with them.”
When Caitin started, she didn’t know much about the industry or the types of machines she would be working on. “I didn’t even know what a digger was, but the entire Komatsu team has been really supportive in helping me learn along the way.”
Now in the third year of her apprenticeship, Caitlin has come along leaps and bounds and was recently recognised as Komatsu’s top third-year apprentice for Australia and New Zealand.
“There is a big focus here on making sure you’re investing in yourself, and that we are getting the right training and support to excel in whatever our chosen field is. I worked hard towards that goal this year, and it was really exciting to travel to Australia and take out the top honour. The team around me in New Zealand were a big support – they encouraged me to apply for the award and have helped me to get to where I am today,” she says.
When she finishes her apprenticeship, Cailtin is looking forward to being fully qualified and spending more time out in the field, visiting customers and tackling new jobs.
“It’s hard work, but I really enjoy the challenge and working on different machines at different sites all around the region. No one day is the same, so it keeps it exciting and I’m always learning.
“There are so many opportunities available to us working at Komatsu – I want to become dual certified as an auto electrician, which I know Komatsu will support me through, and experience working on some of the larger machines.
“For anyone looking for a hands-on role that offers plenty of opportunity to take your career where you want it – I absolutely recommend a career at Komatsu,” Caitlin says.