Lincom CEO Stephen Watterson cuts the ribbon to the new training facility. Image: Lincom Group
The Lincom Group has unveiled a new technical institute. Quarry learns how the new facilities will be key to the company’s ongoing support to customers.
Clyve Evans, national technical support manager at the Lincom Group, has been on a mission in the past few years to learn how to provide the best equipment and safety training.
He conducted a worldwide search by attending training courses to understand the best practice approach.
“We were told there would be a new refurbishment of the workshop, and as part of that, we would end up with space for a training institute,” he told Quarry.
“Stephen Watterson, our CEO, had a clear and ambitious vision for this space and he gave me carte blanche to design a training facility that could support both new and existing customers.”
The company officially opened its new technical institute in April at its Narangba facility in Queensland. The institute will be a key part of Lincom’s offering and aim to help customers understand and utilise their equipment safely and efficiently, as well as troubleshooting any issues they may encounter.
Lincom’s approach to training is grounded in the principle that effective use of equipment requires more than just basic knowledge. It has designed programs from beginners to professionals to provide a thorough understanding of the equipment’s fundamental systems, coupled with practical tips and techniques for maintenance.
This dual focus helps to ensure that each participant can operate their equipment safely, efficiently, and at peak performance, instilling a sense of confidence in their abilities.
Lincom offers training for all brands within its portfolio. Image: Lincom Group
The facility itself consists of two parts: a computer-equipped training room and an interactive room that allows participants to get hands-on with the equipment. The idea is to allow those in training to identify faults, and there are plans to include cutaways to help visualise what is going on inside the equipment.
Evans said training can also take place in the nearby machine depot to help trainees get acquainted with the company’s range of equipment.
“We provide hands-on, practical training experiences, offer interactive learning methods and access to equipment mock-ups for comprehensive skill development,” he said.
“This approach allows technicians to apply what they have learned in a controlled, realistic environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.”
Lincom offers training for all brands within its portfolio, including Powerscreen, McLanahan, Morbark, Thor Global and more.
Evans said different customers have different objectives and requirements, so the company has avoided taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Instead, the company offers a range of flexible training programs, designed to align with the client’s specific goals to ensure that each training session is relevant and effective.
“From refreshing the skills of experienced technicians to foundational training for new hires, the technical institute’s tailored programs cater to a broad audience, accommodating their individual skill set,” he said.
“I get in contact with our customers and find out what skills and training their fitters might be lacking. Then, we provide specific training, from the very basics all the way up to advanced techniques.
“Everything is based on the feedback we get from our clients, and we use this to design a training plan.”
Each session starts with a discussion on safety. Evans ensures the topic is included in everything related to the training courses. It’s part of the company’s push to ensure the trainees are as safety conscious as possible.
While it’s still early days, Evans said the company has received positive feedback. With a few bookings already in the pipeline, this is an exciting start and a promising indication of what’s to come.
One key benefit of the training is improved self-reliance. Lincom, which was established almost 30 years ago, provides specialised equipment for a range of sectors – including quarrying. It has operations throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands, with its head office based in Southern Queensland.
Many of the company’s customers are in remote areas, where telephone reception is poor and downtime costs are high.
Evans said if the company’s fitters are confident with the equipment and know how to fix it, they’ll be back in business much faster.
“This facility is industry leading,” he said.
“There’re no other players offering this sort of training. The commitment we have put into this is next level – we wanted to go above and beyond what is considered industry standard.
“It’s just one of many things to come. Lincom is investing in the future of the industry.” •
For more information, visit lincom.com.au
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