Employee Highlight - Carlo's Story
From motorcycle factories in the Philippines, to shipyards in Japan, to major LNG projects, and now to Australian made silos in Toowoomba, Carlo Gales has built a welding career few can match. With nearly three years at Kotzur, he is known for his skill, reliability, and genuine passion for learning, but his story begins long before he stepped into the workshop at Toowoomba.
Carlo first discovered welding through a free government training program run by TESDA in the Philippines, an opportunity that would shape the rest of his life. “My journey as a welder began when I received free training from TESDA, which is similar to TAFE in Australia,” he explains. He completed SMAW NC1, mastering flat, horizontal, and vertical welds, followed by SMAW NC2, where he trained in pipe welding in the 6G position, one of the most challenging welding tests.
His early talent opened doors quickly. He was selected to train and work as a GMAW welder at Honda, spending a year building motorcycle chassis for the Honda TMX 125, a popular clutch type model in the Philippines. When his contract ended, he transitioned to Toyota in Sta. Rosa as a MIG welder. There, he fabricated transport frames for car parts and carried out critical repair work, including fixing robot welds on car body frames. His growing reputation then led him to Kawasaki Philippines, where he joined the Barako motorcycle line. “Thanks to my previous experience, I was hired quickly,” he says.
Carlo continued expanding his skills and joined Hanjin Heavy Industries, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. At Hanjin, he trained in flux core welding, robot operation, cutting torches, and high precision fabrication techniques, earning certification through Bureau Veritas. Although his time there lasted under a year, it changed his life. In 2010, his experience opened the door for him to work in Japan.
“I was fortunate to work in Japan as a shipbuilding trainee,” he says. Because of his background at Hanjin, he completed three consecutive years in the industry from 2010 to 2013, learned Japanese work culture, and earned certification from the Japan Welding Society. When he returned home in 2013, he took on structural welding roles at AG&P, contributing to two major LNG projects, Yamal in Russia and Ichthys in Australia. At AG&P, he worked under American Welding Society standards, expanding his qualifications even further.
In 2015, Japan reopened opportunities for former trainees, and Carlo was among the first to be rehired. He returned to TAIYU in Onomichi, Hiroshima, where he worked from 2015 until 2022 as a ship welder. His task list from this period reflects the capability of a highly skilled tradesman. He set up and operated complex welding equipment, performed flat, horizontal, vertical, root penetration, overhead, 6G and 5G pipe welding using FCAW, operated automatic welding machines such as the SS06C, carried out acetylene cutting, repaired welds that did not meet quality standards, welded galvanised pipes and screens, performed X-ray and UT tested welds on critical ship parts, and completed structural repairs in every possible position.
Despite the technical challenge and personal achievement, years of working overseas were difficult. “Before moving to Australia, I worked as a welder in Japan for 10 years,” Carlo says. “I missed my family every day. It made me want to move to a place where we could be together, build a better life, and share more time as a family.”
Australia offered both opportunity and stability. “I chose Australia because of the opportunities for career growth and a better quality of life,” he explains. “It is a safe place with a diverse culture, and the biggest advantage is being able to bring my family here.”
Taking a leap of faith, he applied for work in Australia and was offered a role at Kotzur. “I am grateful to have been hired by Kotzur,” he says. “I hope to build a better future for my family here.”
Since joining Kotzur, Carlo has embraced the Australian work environment and quickly became a valued part of the fabrication team. His days begin with morning briefings before moving into fabrication tasks based on drawings provided. “Every day is busy and productive,” he says. “Every day is a chance to learn something new and improve my skills.”
One of his proudest achievements at Kotzur has been contributing to the transportable silo project. “It was challenging and rewarding,” he says. “I am proud to have contributed to its success as part of a team.” He appreciates the strong work ethic across the workshop and the close bond between co-workers. “What makes Kotzur different is the strong work ethic and the close bond between co-workers. Everyone supports each other.”
To Carlo, being part of Kotzur means being part of a community that values skill, teamwork, and personal growth. “It gives me the opportunity to learn new skills, grow my career, and contribute to projects I can be proud of,” he says. “It also means building strong relationships with my colleagues and working together to achieve our goals.”
If someone were considering working at Kotzur, Carlo would encourage them wholeheartedly. “It is a great place to grow your skills, learn new techniques, and be part of a supportive team,” he says. “It is an environment where you can enjoy your work while continuously improving.”
Outside of work, Carlo spends much of his time catching up on what he missed for so many years, being present with his family. He enjoys exploring Toowoomba and Queensland, discovering new places, and experiencing Australian culture. He also has a passion for gardening and bonsai, something he enjoys doing with his wife and children. “Lately, Bunnings has become our go to place for new plants,” he laughs.
Reflecting on his time at Kotzur so far, Carlo fondly remembers attending the company golf day during his first year. “It was a great opportunity to connect with my colleagues outside of work and have fun,” he says. “The event showed the importance of good relationships.”
And if he could switch jobs with anyone at Kotzur for a day, Carlo admits he would choose Vic Stiller. “I admire his leadership,” he says. “It would be a great opportunity to learn how to lead a team effectively.”
Carlo’s story is one of extraordinary skill, global experience, and resilience. His journey across companies, countries, and industries is remarkable, and we are proud to have him bring that wealth of knowledge and craftsmanship to Kotzur every day.