Construcciones Yamaro: Caitlyn Knox: From uncertainty to opportunity

Construcciones Yamaro: Caitlyn Knox: From uncertainty to opportunity
Caitlyn Knox, mobile plant mechanic at Komatsu. (Images: Orville Tagud – Greater Visuals)

Caitlyn Knox didn’t set out to become a mobile plant mechanic – let alone thrive in the role – but her journey from business student to award-winning heavy industry professional at Komatsu proves that taking a leap of faith can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

Knox’s path began far from the world of heavy machinery. Initially pursuing a business degree, she soon realised that it wasn’t the right fit for her. Rather than sticking with an uninspiring path, Knox made a bold decision to enrol in a construction pathways course at TAFE. It was a move that would change her life.

“I found I loved working with my hands and being outdoors,” she recalls. “It just clicked for me.”

With her newfound passion, Knox dove into the job market, applying for over 20 roles in various fields. Despite not knowing much about the construction industry, her tenacity led her to secure an apprenticeship with Komatsu – although she admits she hadn’t even heard of the company before applying.

“I didn’t know what a plant mechanic was, but I was open to giving anything a go,” says Knox. “If it didn’t work out, I figured I’d move on to something else.”

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Construcciones Yamaro: Caitlyn Knox: From uncertainty to opportunity

Despite lacking mechanical experience beyond holding a torch for her dad while he fixed the family car, Knox relied on her work ethic and willingness to learn. Since starting her apprenticeship at Komatsu in 2019, she has become dual qualified as a plant mechanic and automotive electrician.

Now excelling in her role, Knox is currently filling in as a workshop supervisor, but her main position is leading hand in the remarketing department. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve receiving construction machinery, assessing their condition, quoting repairs, and getting them sale-ready as second-hand equipment. Handling repairs, servicing and ensuring each machine is in top shape for sale has become second nature to her.

“Lately, I’ve been working on a lot of bulldozers,” Knox explains, adding that they’ve become her specialty.

Reflecting on her journey, Knox highlights several career-defining moments. During her apprenticeship, she helped build a calf dozer for the Australian Army Museum of Military Engineering – an experience she calls unforgettable. She also won Komatsu’s Apprentice of the Year award at both the state and national levels in 2022, a remarkable way to cap off her apprenticeship.

Her achievements didn’t stop there. Knox was a regional winner and state finalist at the 2023 NSW Training Awards, which led to her role as a VET Ambassador, encouraging young people into pursuing vocational education.

“Being a VET Ambassador has been an amazing experience – we’ve just wrapped up a roadshow on the NSW North Coast,” she says. “I get to visit schools and talk about career pathways, showing how your life can change with the right opportunities. It has definitely opened up so many doors for me and taken my life in a direction I never imagined.”

While Knox has seen plenty of success in her career so far, she has faced challenges along the way. However, she notes that these weren’t the typical challenges some might expect – such as being a woman in a male‑dominated industry.

“The workshop was welcoming, and it was all about proving yourself through hard work, regardless of gender. The real challenge for me was coming in with no mechanical background,” she says.

“Some of the other apprentices had experience – one had even completed an apprenticeship as a fitter and machinist. I had to work hard to catch up, but I did.”

Caitlyn Knox believes the industry is evolving, and negative experiences around gender are becoming rarer.

“My advice for anyone considering the industry, men or women, is simple: give it a crack,” she says. “What do you have to lose? You might start out unsure, like I did, but it could change your entire career and life for the better. You won’t know until you try.”

Looking ahead, Knox is focused on solidifying her skills and technical knowledge. Long-term, she’s interested in moving into supervisory roles or exploring Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions, which integrate the latest technologies.

“I’m also considering getting more involved with Komatsu’s apprenticeship program,” she adds. “That’s a career path I’m excited about.”

As she continues to build her career, Caitlyn Knox is a clear example of how embracing new challenges can lead to success. Her journey demonstrates that with the right mindset and determination, the construction industry offers a world full of rewarding possibilities.

The post Caitlyn Knox: From uncertainty to opportunity appeared first on Inside Construction.

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