Here at KEE, we take immense pride in the remarkable individuals who make up our workforce. We believe in nurturing talent from within, fostering growth, and elevating our team members to new heights.

KEE may be a family-owned company, but our family extends beyond blood ties to encompass the extraordinary people who work alongside us. We are proud to announce that we now have ten team members who are part of KEE’s prestigious “Ten Year’s of Service Club.”

This milestone not only underscores their excellence in their roles but also speaks volumes about their genuine enjoyment of being a part of the KEE family.

To gain deeper insights into what makes KEE such a special place to work, we’ve asked some of our ‘ten at ten‘ to share their thoughts. KEE is not just a workplace, but a community where careers flourish and bonds endure.

From Anita King, Surfacing Administration Manager, who joined KEE in 2012: 

“I love the people, it’s a happy place to work and I get job satisfaction. We all come to work to get paid, but if you feel like you are contributing to something and you are appreciated for doing that, it makes for a nice day at work.”

From On-Hire Manager Natalie Martin, who joined us in 2013:

“I have stayed with KEE because they are now my family away from my actual family. Coming to work isn’t a chore because you are not treated as just a number. Everyones input is valid and the owners and execs listen. Given what I went through personally two years ago, I am forever in debt to KEE with their genuine care for their employees.”

From Michael Middleton, KEE Paver Operator, who joined in 2012:

“I have stayed at KEE for this long because no one else will employ me, na only joking 🤣  …I have been at KEE this long because it’s a good company to work for and also the boys in the crew are a good bunch of blokes and girl to work with.”
 

And from our longest serving member James ‘Coadie’ Coad who (it seems) really is married to his job…

“I, Coadie, take you, KEE Surfacing for my lawful employment to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part or I WIN LOTTO (no notice given) I will love and honour you all the days of my life!”                        

Can we just say, the love is mutual!

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a truck driver in Western Australia? KEE’s Transport Manager Hale Preston-Samson believes it is an exciting profession that offers a variety of benefits, including the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of WA.

Hale said,  “Our truck drivers and operators are the lifeblood of our transportation system, connecting communities and delivering vital equipment to projects across Perth and beyond. Becoming a truck driver in Western Australia offers a fulfilling career with excellent prospects.”

However, like many jobs, it is not without its challenges, as the industry experiences high demands for long hours and time away for long haul drivers.  It is an industry with many facets that can work for people within different parts of their life. From young singles wanting to put in the hours doing fifo work, to people supporting families and working locally or husband and wife teams driving pilot and 2up seeing the great state and what it has to offer.

The Path to Becoming a Truck Driver

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on embarking on a career as a truck driver. Throughout this blog we will lead you through the step-by-step journey of becoming a skilled truck driver and provide invaluable insights into this profession. Let’s kick off your journey!

• The Pathway to Truck Driving Success: As a novice driver, it’s important to acknowledge that initial pay might be low. Yet, with accumulating experience, your earning potential will steadily rise. Pay scales fluctuate widely within the industry, contingent upon qualifications and experience. Currently, in Australia, Perth boasts the highest remuneration, with operators potentially earning over $100,000 annually, while in New South Wales, the wage hovers closer to $60,000.
• Acquiring a Truck Driver’s License: To establish yourself as a truck driver in Australia, securing an unrestricted driver’s license from your state’s licensing authority is essential. Moreover, completing a Certificate III in Driving Operations at TAFE or a local private institution will equip you with indispensable skills and knowledge. Private training colleges throughout the nation also offer specialized truck driving courses to prepare you comprehensively for your role.
• The Surging Demand for Truck Drivers: Truck driving stands as a highly coveted profession in Australia, currently grappling with a scarcity of adept drivers due to two primary factors: the escalating significance of road freight and the retirements of seasoned drivers. This scarcity sets the stage for a promising future for aspiring truck drivers in the years ahead, contingent upon economic conditions and competition from alternative transport modes like air and rail freight. The government’s Job Outlook website indicates robust job prospects for bus, coach, and truck drivers.
• Perks of Embracing a Truck Driving Career: Several compelling incentives make a career as a truck driver worth considering:
  • Opportunity to traverse the captivating landscapes of the country.
  • A robust demand for truck drivers ensures stability and job security.
  • Flexibility to define your personalized work schedule.
  • Enhanced control over your working hours compared to various other professions.
• Essential Attributes Needed as a Truck Driver: Excelling in the role of a truck driver hinges on the following crucial attributes:
  • Enjoyment of practical, hands-on work.
  • Profound understanding of road regulations.
  • Physical fitness and the capability to handle heavy loads.
  • Proficiency in forklift operation.
  • Effective communication and superior customer service skills.
  • Capacity to work seamlessly in teams and collaborate harmoniously.
  • Competence in driving trucks during nocturnal hours and under demanding conditions.
  • Mastery in operating, steering, and maneuvering trucks.
  • Proficiency in conducting mechanical inspections and showcasing mechanical aptitude.
  • Adherence to safe driving practices and adept speed management.
  • Ability to tackle the physical demands of the job while prioritizing safety.
• Prerequisites for Becoming a Truck Driver in Australia: While formal qualifications aren’t obligatory, certain prerequisites must be met for a truck driving career:
  • Completion of at least Year Ten education.
  • Attainment of an unrestricted driver’s license from your state’s licensing authority.
  • Maintenance of an impeccable driving record.
  • Selection of the vehicle class you aspire to operate (e.g., Light Rigid, Medium Rigid, Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination, or Multi Combination).
  • Successful completion of the Heavy Vehicle Competency Assessment test in your chosen vehicle category to secure the specific truck driving license.
  • Contemplation of a Certificate III/IV in Driving Operations to elevate your skills and acquire strategies for managing fatigue stemming from extended driving hours.
  • For transporting hazardous substances, additional licenses, a medical certificate, an eyesight test, and pertinent training are mandatory.

KEE Training

Here at KEE we are trialling our very first training program and have just employed a new team member. Our newest recruit will receive his licence and industry qualifications from on-road mentoring and coaching by our own skilled drivers. He will be aiming to gain a HR (Heavy Rigid) licence after learning everything there is to know about basic maintenance, reversing and the myriad of other things a skilled truck driver needs to know, or be able to do.

Hale said, “KEE has very specialised knowledge needed within our driver group.  With operation of the trucks and trailing equipment along with the requirements for oversize.  There is also the knowledge needed around how to safely load and unload all the machines for hire and surfacing, along with keeping keys of each asset. Therefore it makes sense for us to be able to train someone right from the get-go.”

KEE Fuel drivers need to be trained in the use of the pumping equipment, fuelling of all the asset types along with the run and customer requirements of each shift.  Bringing a new driver in can take weeks of one on one training to build confidence to cover all areas.

By following the outlined steps and developing the necessary skills, you can embark on a rewarding journey in this growing profession. Remember, the road to success begins with obtaining the required license, gaining experience, and continuously honing your skills.

If you are interested in becoming a low-loader operator, Here are some further sources  to assist you with acquiring the correct accreditation:

https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/heavy-combination-licence-hc.asp

Source: Oz Studies, WA Gov, DoT

Nestled amidst steep icy mountains and deep fjords, Western Norway’s breathtaking landscapes have long captivated the world’s imagination. However, the scenic beauty comes at a cost – the arduous 1130km trip between Kristiansand in the south and Trondheim in the north, which poses a daunting challenge to commuters. Enduring a staggering 21-hour journey and crossing seven different ferries, it’s no wonder that many travelers opt for alternative routes. Nevertheless, a revolutionary infrastructure project, estimated at a staggering $40 billion, is on the horizon – introducing the world’s first floating tunnel. Let’s embark on a journey through Norway’s transport history and delve into the futuristic concept of these floating tunnels weaving through the fjords.

Unravelling Norway’s Transport History

Norway’s transport history is a tapestry of innovation and adaptation. Its rugged terrain and vast stretches of water have presented unique challenges for connecting distant cities and regions. In ancient times, Norwegians relied on boats and ships to navigate the fjords, enabling trade and cultural exchange. However, with the advent of modern transportation, the need for faster and more efficient routes became apparent.

Railways played a crucial role in transforming Norway’s transport landscape during the 19th century. Overcoming mountainous barriers and wild rivers, the nation’s railway network laid the groundwork for accessible travel within the country. As the decades passed, roads and highways replaced older forms of transport, enabling vehicles to traverse the challenging landscape with more ease.

Despite these advancements, the rugged terrain of Western Norway continued to pose difficulties for commuters. Building conventional tunnels proved challenging due to the deep fjords and steep mountains, necessitating an innovative solution that would not only cut travel time but also preserve the region’s natural beauty.

Floating Tunnels: A Vision To Become A Reality

Enter the awe-inspiring concept of floating tunnels, a groundbreaking idea that could revolutionize transportation in Norway. Unlike conventional tunnels, these underwater roadways consist of a pair of concrete tubes, artfully submerged about 30m below the water’s surface. The innovative design slices the distance between Kristiansand and Trondheim in half, making the once treacherous journey remarkably efficient and enjoyable.

The natural features of Norway’s deep fjords make floating tunnels the ideal solution for overcoming transport obstacles. Traditional bridges are impractical due to the steep cliffs and vast expanses of water. However, floating tunnels boast the versatility to maneuver through these challenges with grace and precision.

One might wonder, are these floating tunnels truly floating? The answer lies in their ingenious stabilization system. Thick cables tether the concrete tubes to the sea bed, allowing them to glide effortlessly below the water’s surface. Alternatively, buoyant pontoons, spaced at roughly 240m intervals, can be employed to maintain the tunnel’s stability. This innovative design ensures that the floating tunnels neither obstruct maritime traffic nor interfere with the movement of ships, boats, or submarines.

Navigating the Future

Norway’s ambitious infrastructure project has captured the imagination of the nation’s Transport Minister, Ketil Solvik-Olsen. His vision for a more connected Norway drives the project forward, hoping for the floating tunnel to open its underwater passages by 2050. With unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of progress, Solvik-Olsen seeks to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

As the world’s first floating tunnel project takes shape, Norway stands on the precipice of a new era in transportation history. The innovative fusion of engineering and environmental consciousness offers a glimmer of hope for regions grappling with challenging terrains worldwide. Beyond being a mere conduit for commuters, these floating tunnels will be an embodiment of Norway’s commitment to progress while preserving the natural wonders that make the country truly unique.

As we look towards the horizon, we can’t help but wonder what other visionary solutions await us in the ever-evolving landscape of transport. With the floating tunnels leading the way, perhaps it’s time for humanity to embrace the potential of innovation and forge a brighter, more connected future. When we one day traverse the depths of the fjords in these magnificent underwater tunnels, let us remember that with determination and creativity, even the most extraordinary dreams can be realised.