Blue Tongue

Introducing the next generation of workforce training! We’re thrilled to unveil Better Than Reality (BTR)—our groundbreaking VR training software for mobile plant mechanics in the mining sector. This isn’t just training; it’s a game-changer for tackling skills shortages and building stronger, more capable teams. Ready to see innovation in action? Check it out now: A part of the Blue Tongue Group https://lnkd.in/g5NV67RC #industrytraining #traininginnovation #heavymobileplant #virtualreality #betterthanreality #VRtraining #heavydieselmechanics

Gail Monteith, our Senior Consultant, shared her insights on our programs and their impact.   “Blue Tongue has played a massive part in providing opportunities for skilled technicians to thrive in a new environment while making a significant impact in industries that rely on their expertise. Through Blue Tongue’s programs, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary journeys of growth and success. Technicians have risen through the ranks to become supervisors managing teams, specialist product support technicians working with OEMs, and even branch managers overseeing large operations. These success stories are not exceptions—they’re proof of what happens when talent is recognized, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive.” Together, we’re not just addressing workforce needs—we’re fostering a vibrant, diverse community that contributes to the broader success of Australia.

The mining industry keeps losing skilled workers, and the biggest issue isn’t recruitment—it’s retention.   Rosters, work-life balance, company culture, leadership, and recognition all matter. But the real game-changer? Training and upskilling. When workers feel valued and see a future for themselves, they stay longer, work harder, and strengthen the industry. Ben Warner, General Manager of Blue Tongue Skills, shares his insights:   “This isn’t new information—but what’s often overlooked is how to extract value while investing in people. If training delivers immediate business benefits, workforce development isn’t a risk—it’s a competitive advantage and a smart strategy.   Even if some employees leave, the net gain outweighs the loss. The more value you extract, the more you’ll invest in training and the more people you will attract into the industry.   The industry needs to stop waiting for a “silver bullet” solution—it’s not coming. The skills shortage will keep repeating unless businesses shift their mindset: training shouldn’t be a cost centre; it should be a scalable, value-driven strategy.”   Small-scale training efforts are no longer enough. To break the cycle, businesses must make training and development a core strategy, maximise its value, and scale it beyond traditional norms.

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “Can your programs be customized to meet the specific needs of my business?” The quick answer is “Yes!” Here’s how we do it.  Because every business faces unique challenges when it comes to workforce management, we work closely with our clients to develop tailored workforce solutions designed to address specific skills shortages and operational needs. By collaborating with your team, we create strategies that align with your company’s goals and seamlessly integrate across all levels—from leadership to the frontline. This approach ensures that the workforce we help build is not only skilled but also a perfect fit for your organization’s culture and long-term objectives. What sets us apart is our commitment to minimizing financial risk. We invest in the initial project costs, including hiring and training, so you can focus on growing your business with a highly skilled, career-driven workforce that delivers long-term results. This partnership-driven model ensures that your workforce challenges are solved efficiently and sustainably.

At Blue Tongue, we’re proud to see our team members not only excel in their technical abilities but also take on leadership roles that make a real difference in the workplace. As one of our clients recently shared: "Blue Tongue’s International Truck Mechanics have integrated well into our workshop, the guys have great technical ability to hit the ground running and for any missing skills they have been open to feedback and quick on the uptake. One of the Blue Tongue team – Zeb – has stepped up into a leadership role in the workshop because of his excellent mechanical capability and ability to provide clear direction to his fellow mechanics and apprentices." It’s always rewarding to see our people grow into roles where they can lead, support their teams, and drive success.

Workforce skills shortages are a persistent challenge, especially in industries like mining, forestry, heavy haul transport, and oil and gas. At Blue Tongue, we’ve spent decades refining solutions to help businesses build skilled, reliable teams while minimizing risks along the way. We achieve this through tailored training, upskilling, and workforce transition programs. Doing this, we ensure our Clients gain access to industry-ready talent that meets their specific needs. What sets us apart is our commitment to sharing the risk. We cover all upfront costs for our programs, allowing our Clients to focus on growing their operations while we handle the complexities of sourcing and training their workforce. It’s a partnership approach designed to deliver long-term value, improve retention, and build future-ready teams. Let’s tackle those workforce challenges together.

How can businesses address skills shortages and improve workforce retention? The ongoing shortage of Heavy Duty Mechanics is a challenge many industries face, and solving it requires more than short-term fixes. One of the most effective ways to address this issue is by building career-driven, dedicated workforces tailored to your business needs. At Blue Tongue, we’ve spent decades working with businesses to tackle these challenges head-on. By focusing on sourcing, upskilling, and managing technicians, we’ve helped companies reduce labour costs and improve workforce retention — with some achieving retention rates as high as 93%. These results highlight the importance of strategic workforce planning and long-term solutions to overcome workforce challenges. If skills shortages are impacting your business, exploring tailored, sustainable strategies could make all the difference.

What a year it’s been! Our Blue Tongue Christmas photo perfectly captures the spirit of what makes our team so special—lots of laughs, endless support, and a shared commitment to making things happen. We’re proud of all we've accomplished together in 2024, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead! Thank you to every member of the Blue Tongue family for your hard work and dedication. Here’s to more success, growth, and teamwork in 2025!

With over 15 years of expertise in delivering technical training for mechanics and auto electricians, Blue Tongue’s Training Consultant, Christian Asare, has collaborated with our partner client, Axis Hire to develop technical skills training tailored to their existing workforce. Our approach focuses on identifying skills gaps, investing in development, and providing ongoing training to enhance their overall experience. At Blue Tongue, we are committed to staying engaged and supporting our technicians and partner clients at every stage of their journey.

Hiring experienced HD Mechanics from overseas can seem complex. Good news: Blue Tongue takes care of every detail, so you don’t have to. From relocation support and housing setup to site inductions and specialised training, we make onboarding seamless. Our approach ensures new hires feel equipped, understand their roles and the company culture, and are productive from day one. This not only saves you time and resources but also guarantees every team member a consistent and fair start.