Komatsu Forklift Australia's Stephen Rimoldi wins top honours in his course.

Technician Stephen Rimoldi, an employee of forklift supplier Komatsu Forklift Australia, has been awarded first place overall in Certificate 111 Automotive Mechanical Technology (Forklift Mechanical) by the South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE.

In 2009, Rimoldi, a qualified boilermaker, was one of 11 other employees in a TAFE conversion course for light vehicle mechanics to train as dedicated forklift mechanics. Because of his boilermaker qualification, he was not able to secure a certificate after the completion of this course. However, his "excellent grasp of the course material coupled with the experience he has gained in the workshop" led to further discussions with TAFE.

Recognising his completed study as a boilermaker plus his experience on the job at Komatsu Forklift, the South Western Sydney TAFE put together a training package suited to his specific circumstances.

With the course successfully completed, Rimoldi has now qualified for his second trade as a forklift mechanic.