Grow Your Expertise

At Kennards Hire, we give you the tools and resources you need to learn something new every day and grow your expertise.

Just ask former flight attendant, Rachael Lambert, who’s now a Service Person Driver in our Richmond (VIC) branch.

“I was looking for job security in an industry where I could keep working during the COVID lockdowns,” says Rachael. “I started Googling and a job at Kennards Hire came up. It sounded interesting and although I didn't know what to expect, I thought I’d give it a go.”

She applied for the job, despite having no experience in the Hire industry or familiarity with the equipment and machinery. That’s when she first met Richard Grose, who interviewed Rachael for the job. 

 

Developing skills, building careers

While lacking in industry experience, Richard could see Rachael had the key attributes of customer service, loyalty and leadership. Their first interview was online, with Richard then asking Rachael to come into the branch to ensure she fully understood what she’d be getting into.

“It was definitely out of her comfort zone,” says Richard, “but she had the soft skills we can’t teach, and we knew it was possible to teach her everything else. She was someone we wanted to work for us.”

From day one, Rachael was set up for success through small group training and one-on-one instruction on how to operate machinery and equipment.  

“Rachael’s work ethic definitely stood out right from the start and she was determined to do everything,” says Richard. “There wasn’t a task that I wouldn't consider giving to Rachael because once she got it in her head and she understood it, she would run with it.”

For Rachael, the training was initially daunting, however, there was always someone available to show her what to do.

“I was learning new things and if I was unsure of anything, I’d be shown how to do it again so I could keep trying,” she says. “I still can’t believe I now know how to back-up a trailer and while I’m not 100 per cent perfect, I can get out of any situation I need to!”

It all comes down to empowerment, according to Richard. 

“Sometimes, you need to throw people in at the deep end, see how they swim but always be there to give them a life jacket if they need it,” he says. “We’re trying to teach them skills they’ll always have in their toolbox and that takes time and repetition to break down the stigma that something is hard to do. So you’ve got to take a breath and try again.”

 

Opportunities to learn and grow

After working at the branch for a year, Rachael left Kennards Hire on a planned career break. Twelve months later, instead of returning to the industry she knew best (travel), she had no hesitation in returning to Kennards Hire.

“I really enjoyed my first stint at Kennards Hire because of the opportunities to grow and keep learning,” she says. “I’ve now been back for two years and there is always opportunity to learn and grow more. I want to be the person that keeps developing new and different skills.” 

Richard agrees. He’s been at Kennards Hire for almost 20 years and says he loves it when the light bulb goes off for team members. 

“Ensuring someone is learning what they need to know is one thing, however we’re also trying to identify and mesh people’s strengths and weaknesses together to help them develop at work and in their personal life.”

“Rachael is someone who once she’s learned it and done it, she’s more confident,” he says. 

“So rather than just give her the answer or solve her problem, I'll always ask, ‘what would you do?’. Now, I know she’s got the tools to do the job and I can stand back and have a ‘proud parent’ moment.” 

 

With Kennards Hire You Can

For Rachael, it’s built her confidence on the job and personally. “I won't hold back from trying new things because if I've made a mistake, I know I can go to Richard and tell him I've done something wrong and I need to fix it’,” she says.

“To be able to say to your manager, ‘I’ve messed up or I don't know what to do’ and not fear consequences or repercussions is a big thing. You can also make suggestions for improvements and know your voice will be heard.” 

“It’s an amazing environment and culture because we’re a family that supports each other.”

Two years on and there are still things Rachael wants to learn and contribute to the team. 

“It’s a fun job with plenty of opportunity to grow and try something new,” she says. “But at Kennards Hire, it really is possible to do anything your set your mind to.”