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At Rokon, we’re all about our team and the unique paths they take. Today, we’re giving a shoutout to Jayson and Eddiemar, our skilled mechanics from the Philippines, who’ve been with Rokon here in Australia for over a year now! Their hard work and dedication have made them key players in the Rokon crew.

In a recent chat, Jayson and Eddiemar opened up about their experiences, the hurdles they’ve jumped, and the support they’ve received from their mates. Jayson’s particularly excited about bringing his family over to Australia soon, and we can’t wait to welcome them!

Here’s what they had to say…

Q&A, Jayson and Eddiemar

Q&A with Eddiemar (Eddie)

Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to Australia with Rokon?

Eddie: I’m a heavy equipment servicing (mechanic) graduate. I have Cert III in Mobile Plant Technology recognised within the Australian Qualification framework. I work in a Caterpillar dealer in the Philippines for 7 years, and a couple of years with a construction company as a heavy equipment mechanic. I think it is my good work background is what brings me to Australia with Rokon, if not fate.

What has been the most rewarding part of working with Rokon over the past year?

Eddie: Working with different talented and experienced mechanics in Rokon, learning and sharing knowledge with them.

How has Rokon supported your transition to working in Australia, and how has this support enhanced your job satisfaction and productivity?

Eddie: Rokon give me time to adjust and adapt in my new environment. My supervisor and all workshop team are very polite and approachable. They make it easy for me to adjust, they make an extra effort to explain instructions at/for work in a way I could easily understand. This helps me perform my task the best I can.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time working with the Rokon team?

Eddie: The time when we all worked on EX25 replacing the hydraulic pumps was the most memorable work we’ve done so far as a team. Also the first time I watch footy with the team was the best. I chose Essendon and they won and I feel pleased to myself because I chose the winning team. Sorry Alecia!

What are you most looking forward to in the coming year with Rokon?

Eddie: New workshop.

Q&A with Jayson

Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to Australia with Rokon?

My work journey as a Mechanic started in Maxima Machineries who’s dealing with Komatsu Machines in the Philippines. Later on I become a Service Engineer and working as customer support in Construction , Quarry, and Coal Mining for their operation. Most of the time I was out-of-town doing service jobs and business trips.

It was a total 12 years of experience before I decided to try my luck here in Australia. Lucky enough I was able to land a job here in Rokon as Diesel Mechanic and was able to experience working with a nice people in the workshop, colleague, and experiencing the work-life-balance.

I decided to apply for Australia because I wanted to support and provide a better life for my family, opening a better future for my two boys. Being away from them was very challenging, but I know sacrifices are only temporarily. Having a job in the Philippines doesn’t really put too much food on the table, the reason why a lot of Filipinos are really trying their luck to go work abroad if you really wanted to provide a good life for the family.

What has been the most rewarding part of working with Rokon over the past year?

For more than a year of working here in the company, I would say, I’m lucky. My colleagues are kind and accommodating, I never had a hard time adjusting because everyone is very welcoming. I also appreciate how the company and everyone gives importance to the family or anything that is related to family. In terms of work, yes everyone is very strict and professional which is good. Sometimes if I made a mistake or had a shortcoming, they would help me address that and they don’t take it at heart, they just move on like okay let’s learn from it.

How has Rokon supported your transition to working in Australia, and how has this support enhanced your job satisfaction and productivity?

Well the company has been very supportive with whatever we need may it be personal or at work. That’s why we never really had a hard time adjusting. The company provides anything that we need to be able to work effectively.

Can you tell us about your plans for bringing your family to Australia and how Rokon’s HR team has supported you in this process?

Even before I applied for this job when I was still in the Philippines, one of my plans is to bring my family along with me in Australia. I’ve always dreamed of giving them a safe, secure and comfortable life that’s why I really worked hard to get a job here, because of them. Currently, I’m in the process of bringing them here and working through the step by step process, our workshop team has also been a big support role on this specially. I’m looking forward to be with my family hopefully next year. Cheers!

What advice would you give to someone considering a similar international move with their career?

Focus on your dream, work on your dream, live with your dream. It may be difficult at first, but all will be worth it as long as you work hard for it. At first I thought Australia is not for me, but now I’m enjoying everything here. There’s a bigger opportunity here, not just for us but for our families.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time working with the Rokon team?

A lots of memorable moments that will I keep. I remember before I go home and take my holidays in Philippines, my boss arranged to meet us all the mechanics and team and have some lunch with KFC. Also the footies night with the team, it was a memorable days for me.

What are you most looking forward to in the coming year with Rokon?

I’m looking forward to more years of working and growing with the company and learning new things. And of course, I’m looking forward for the salary increase and bonuses in the future, just kidding! I’m very happy and satisfied with the company.