Komatsu’s decision to deploy internal talent into field service roles is paying off, with two former workshop technicians now delivering exemplary results underground.
In today’s mining industry, more operations are looking for service personnel who not only know the equipment inside out, but who can carry that expertise directly into challenging underground environments.
That’s exactly what happened when Komatsu’s Scott Treacy and Mick Naske moved from the central Queensland Parkhurst workshop to an active coal mine.
With years spent rebuilding and commissioning Joy machinery, they brought more than just technical knowledge; they brought trust.
This background would become a powerful asset as they stepped into the field as service engineers, a role that demands technical fluency, resilience under pressure, and the ability to solve problems quickly, and safely.
New service engineers can typically expect an onboarding journey that spans close to 12 months. Coming in as a “yellow hat,” new starters complete site sign-offs and accumulate field hours before progressing to full coal mine worker status. But Treacy and Naske’s transition looked a little different.
Though neither had previous underground experience, their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) backgrounds inspired immediate trust from peers and customers alike. In an environment where time is a precious commodity, these technical foundations allowed them to meaningfully contribute from day one.
It also made the decision to move them into field service roles a straightforward one.
“Both Scott and Mick stood out when they applied internally,” a colleague who had worked alongside them previously said. “Their attitude, drive and capability gave me full confidence in their potential, even without mine site experience.”
The qualities that set strong service engineers apart go well beyond qualifications, although those are certainly important.
For electrical roles, those qualifications includes a Certificate III in electrotechnology systems, a current Queensland electrical license, electrical equipment in hazardous areas (EEHA) “inspect and maintain” credentials, and a low voltage rescue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) qualification.
Mechanical engineers require a Certificate III in mechanical engineering (fitting and turning or equivalent), supported by hydraulics 1 and 2 training.
Before Naske’s first day on site, the business ensured he had the required certifications in hand.
Both men were tested almost immediately. On his initial swing, Treacy was called on to resolve a bolter issue on a miner at Kestrel
Naske, meanwhile, was sent to Ensham, where a shuttle car needed attention.
These were significant wins, given the stakes in field service are high and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure is a must. By stepping in and getting the job done early in their deployment, Treacy and Naske didn’t just meet expectations, but successfully raised them.
Some of those efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“We’re excited to recognise Scott for his outstanding growth and contribution since joining us as an underground service engineer,” Kestrel’s Jamie Finch said. “Starting with no prior underground experience, Scott has shown exceptional dedication, adaptability and a strong work ethic.
“From his first day wearing the yellow hat, Scott embraced every challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Today, we’re proud to see him step up to the orange hat – a clear reflection of his progress and the trust he’s earned from the team.”
Treacy and Naske are now fully embedded and respected within their crews. Known for their technical insight and clear-headed approach to fault finding, they have become the kind of service engineers on which customers rely, and team members want beside them underground.
Their journey is a case study in what happens when capability, attitude and opportunity align. It also reinforces the value of looking within when building a field team. For businesses balancing service quality with safety outcomes, internal development pathways like these can make a genuine difference.
As Komatsu continues to build its field service team, Treacy and Naske’s journey is a great example of what’s possible when the right people are given the right opportunities.
This feature appeared in the November-December edition of Safe to Work.