Every career starts somewhere. This is what being in the making looks like.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the journeys that are still taking shape. This year’s theme, “It’s in the making”, is a reminder that careers aren’t built overnight, they’re formed through hands-on learning, persistence, and the willingness to keep going.

At United, apprenticeships are about more than gaining a qualification, they’re about building people up. Andrew and Jesse’s stories reflect what “in the making” looks like in action. Their journeys highlight the value of starting somewhere, learning along the way, and shaping a career with purpose.

By investing in apprentices like Andrew and Jesse, we’re not just filling roles, we’re building capability, loyalty, and the future of our workforce. Because great careers, great tradespeople, and great businesses aren’t found fully formed. They’re made.

For Andrew, It Started With Learning From His Dad. And It Grew Into A Career Of His Own.

My journey has been a long one, starting my apprenticeship as a breakdown technician with my father, Joe Jenner. He has been a huge help, and I hope to follow in his footsteps one day. I worked with him for five years before he shut down the service part of his business.

I then came across United, who took me on at the end of my apprenticeship and put me through TAFE, big shout-out to Jeff, Dennis, Matt, and Andrew for being awesome bosses. My favorite part has been learning how to fix and maintain container handlers, as well as how to assemble and disassemble masts and booms. With my qualification, I see myself getting back out on the road, working on container handlers at the Port of Brisbane again.

My advice to those starting in the industry is to take care of your body, make sure you listen, and ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. The dumbest question is the one you didn’t ask.

Jesse Turned Curiosity About Mechanics Into Confidence On The Tools.

I’ve always had a strong interest in mechanical systems, and United gave me the opportunity to start an apprenticeship to turn that interest into a career. I’ve really enjoyed putting the skills I’ve learned into practice, diagnosing and repairing the equipment we use every day.

The one-on-one practical and theoretical training I’ve received on the machinery we maintain and service has been invaluable in building my confidence and understanding. I’m gonna continue to develop my skills as a tradesman while gradually progressing to work on the larger, more complex equipment in our fleet.

My advice for anyone starting out in this industry is to work hard, take initiative, and never be afraid to ask questions. Every question is a chance to learn something new.

Congratulations to all our apprentices!

A huge congratulations to Andrew Jenner and Jesse Parslow who will be completing their apprentices this year! This is an incredible achievement that reflects their dedication, hard work, and hands-on learning.

We also want to recognise all our current apprentices across the business. Every day they step into the workshop, take on new challenges, ask questions, and grow their skills, they are shaping a career that’s uniquely theirs. Their dedication and curiosity are building experience and confidence that will carry them far, and we’re proud to support them as their journey continues.

Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and be proud of how far you’ve come. Your careers are in the making, and we’re so very proud to support you every step of the way.

Interested in starting your own apprenticeship? United is always welcoming new apprentices.

Contact us today to learn how you can begin your journey.

The post It’s National Apprenticeship Week! appeared first on United Equipment.

As we approach the end of 2025, all of us at United would like to thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

We wish you, your team, and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We look forward to reconnecting in 2026!

Our support services will continue to be available to you.

Some of us will be taking a break for the holidays but our support services will continue to operate for rental or service needs, including breakdown assistance.

For support, please contact 131 607 to reach your local United branch.

Our Closure Period. From 24th December 2025 to 9th January 2026.

On 12th January 2026, most of our team will be back across our head office and branches and ready to support you.

Once again, from all of us at United, thank you for being part of another great year. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

The post United’s Christmas Break Schedule appeared first on United Equipment.

Recognising Our Commitment to Excellence.

United proudly accepted the Dealer of Excellence Award 2023/2024, alongside several top performance awards at the 2025 CAT Lift Trucks Dealer Management Conference in Vietnam, making this our seventh consecutive win for this distingushed award.

We’re incredibly proud to have achieved recognition across all award categories:

• Dealer of Excellence 2023/2024
• Highest Parts Purchase Per Truck 2023/2024
• Top Parts Sales 2023/2024
• Top Market Share (Electric & Warehouse Trucks) 2023/2024
• Top Market Share (Internal Combustion Trucks) 2023/2024

Our success is built by our people, and last week, that commitment was recognised on an international stage. Every award reflects the dedication, teamwork, and excellence of our team across Australia.

Our thanks go to our employees, partners, and customers, whose commitment makes achievements like this possible.

These awards reflect the strength of United’s operations across forklift sales, forklift rentals, parts, and service and repairs, supporting businesses nationwide to keep their operations running safely and efficiently.

We’re honoured to receive these recognitions and proud of the people who make them possible. If you’re interested in joining a company that values its team and is recognised for excellence across the industry, explore careers with United today.

The post United Receives Cat Lift Trucks Dealer of Excellence Award 23-24 appeared first on United Equipment.

United has expanded to Newcastle to better serve our local customers.

We’re excited to announce the opening of our brand-new branch in Tomago, Newcastle. This expansion allows us to better support businesses across Newcastle and the surrounding regions, giving customers direct access to our equipment, parts, and service support closer to home.

Building on Our Sydney Success

Our first branch opened in Central Sydney, where we’ve been supporting New South Wales businesses with equipment, parts and service solutions for years. Now, with our Newcastle branch, we’re extending that same reliable service further north to our customers in Newcastle and the surrounding regions.

Our Newcastle local team is ready to assist with equipment inquiries, service requests, and tailored solutions for your business. With direct branch contacts, you can rely on fast, responsive support whenever you need it.

Visit Our Newcastle Branch

The branch is conveniently located in Tomago, providing easy access for customers across Newcastle and the surrounding region.

02 8883 9855

24 Old Punt Road, Tomago
New South Wales 2300

The post United Opens in Newcastle to Better Serve You appeared first on United Equipment.

Our Cairns Branch Has Moved to a Larger Facility to Better Serve You.

We’re excited to announce that our Cairns branch has moved into a larger facility, designed to better support our customer in Cairns and the surrounding areas.

The new facility allows us to offer:

• Our extensive range of forklift and access equipment
• Our dedicated support solutions – Sales, Rental, Service, and Parts

The larger premises enable us to carry more equipment and parts on site, provide faster turnaround on requests, and improve overall service efficiency.

Expanding Our Cairns Presence

United Forklift and Access Solutions first established its presence in Cairns in December 2024 through the acquisition of Matchport Materials Handling, with the experienced team continuing on to ensure a seamless transition for customers. Since then, Cairns has become an important part of growing Queensland network, which now includes branches in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, and Mackay.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new facility!

07 4866 5380

9 Southgate Close, Woree,
Queensland 4868

The post We Have Relocated In Cairns QLD appeared first on United Equipment.

To our valuable customers and friends.

We’d like to clarify any confusion that may have arisen between our company, United Forklift and Access Solutions, and the U.S owned United Rentals Australia Pty Ltd.

United Rentals Australia Pty Ltd, headquartered in the United States, are not affiliated with our company in any way. Their recent acquisition of Orange Hire, Shore Hire and Royal Wolf, and subsequent correspondence to our mutual customers, has led to some confusion of who is who in the marketplace.

While both companies share similar names, we want to emphasise that United Forklift and Access Solutions is a fully independent Australian company, operating exclusively within the Australian market since 2005. Our business specialises in the rental, sale, service and parts of forklifts, access equipment, and related services to industries across Australia. We have built a solid reputation based on our long-standing presence and dedication to the local market with over 15 branches nationally. Over the last 20 years we have branded our 6,600+ assets in our rental fleet United Rentals.

We understand how the similar names might lead to confusion, and we want to ensure our valued customers are fully aware that United Forklift and Access Solutions is an Australian-owned and operated business dealing in Forklifts and Access Equipment distinct from United Rentals Australia Pty Ltd.

Our commitment remains to providing exceptional services and solutions to our customers throughout Australia.

If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The post United Rentals appeared first on United Equipment.

Introducing the innovative Konecranes electric tyre handler. This new machine, recently purchased by Fortescue, is Australia’s first electric tyre handler, and potentially a world first.

Designed to meet the demanding needs of the mining industry, this purpose built 17-tonne E-VER electric forklift, featuring a tyre handling attachment with 8.5 tonne lift capacity, ensures the safe, precise, and efficient handling of 8,500kg tyres.

Safety & Innovation

Developed by United through direct collaboration with our mining customers, contractors and suppliers, the tyre handler has continued to evolve. This has led to the integration of many critical safety systems, which have been field tested, making this one of the safest tyre handlers in the industry.

A new wireless clamp pressure monitor displays real-time hydraulic pressure of the clamp to the receiver, which is displayed on a digital pressure gauge in the cabin. This provides the operator with the exact pressure of the clamp that they can reference to the correct pressure required, ensuring precise tyre handling and prevents over or under clamping.

A light sequence safety system provides clear visual signals to ground personnel. Red and green indicators show when it is safe to approach the tyre fitting area, minimising risk.

The Blaxtair pedestrian detection system further enhances safety through cutting-edge 3D stereo cameras that utilise AI to distinguish, in real-time, a person from an obstacle or object in the work environment. It utilises thermal imaging sensors to identify pedestrians in low light conditions, even multiple people simultaneously from surrounding site objects that approach from opposite directions. Once detected, the operator is immediately alerted who has enough time to avoid a potential collision.

Magnetic wireless cameras optimise operator visibility during tyre handling operations. Heavy-duty magnets allow cameras to be attached anywhere on the machine. The feed is then displayed on a cabin screen to give operators adaptable viewing angles for precise control and safer handling.

Sustainable Lifting

Traditionally tyre handlers have always run internal combustion diesel engines. However, as our customer needs change, and the world explores more sustainable and eco-efficient alternatives, United have always been ready to meet these industry demands.

Fortescue’s push toward net zero through a robust decarbonisation plan has led to the progressive replacement of their mining fleet with battery electric machines.

The Company aims for Real Zero, which means no fossil fuels and no offsets.

Their target to achieve Real Zero for Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions has been set across their Australian iron ore operations by 2030. Its decarbonisation plan includes the deployment of an additional 2-3 gigawatts of renewable energy generation and battery storage, in addition to the deployment of a green mining fleet and locomotives.

Key considerations for their pathway to decarbonise include the development of technology, future equipment acquisitions, and potential regulatory changes. Future changes to Fortescue’s decarbonisation strategy may impact key estimates and changes to asset carrying values in the Group’s financial statements.

As tyre handlers play an essential role in Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations for tyre maintenance, and keeping up with their net zero goals, it was essential for these machines to be phased to electric models.

Through our direct collaboration with Fortescue and manufacturing partner Konecranes, subsequent technology improvements, and the introduction of Konecranes’ new generation E-VER electric forklift, this has allowed us to develop the first full electric tyre handler for Fortescue.

Powered by lithium-ion technology, these electric tyre handlers deliver smooth, clean and quieter operation, with faster acceleration and lift speeds. The fast-charging, zero-emission lithium-Ion battery, also helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 70 percent. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by returning energy back into the battery. Operators also experience a truly enjoyable driving experience with one of the industry’s most spacious and comfortable cabins.

The new electric tyre handler delivers eco-efficient heavy-duty performance with a lower carbon footprint, while maintaining an advancing level of safety in a high critical risk work environment.

Watch the New Konecranes Tyre Handler Video

The post Introducing Australia’s First Full Electric Tyre Handler appeared first on United Equipment.

The opening of our second facility in Melbourne East follows the recent opening of our far north Queensland branch in Cairns. Our ongoing national expansion highlights United’s commitment to enhancing our support capabilities in the country, ensuring exceptional service for both our long-standing and new customers.

The post United Expands Reach in Melbourne appeared first on United Equipment.

The business acquired in Cairns is Matchport Materials Handling. The previous owners will stay on in the business along with the current service team, continuing to provide the excellent service their customers have become accustomed to.

The new branch will enable us to expand our customer base in this growing region, as well as extend our national footprint to 13 branches.

The expansion also enables us to offer a greater service to existing customers of Matchport and United. Furthermore, it will allow us to develop new business in the region with our extensive product range and services, processes and capabilities.

This recent business acquisition in Cairns follows the opening of our regional Toowoomba branch in June. Both new branches in Queensland highlights our ongoing commitment to strengthening our support capabilities in the state for both existing and new customers.

The post United Expands into Far North Queensland appeared first on United Equipment.

The team at United would like to wish our valued customers and suppliers, and their families, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!

It has been a wonderful year and we look forward to working with you all in 2025.

During the holiday period, we will be closing our Head Office and Branches from the following dates:

Office / Branch Closure Period

• Friday 20th December – Open
  
• Monday 23rd December – Closed
• Tuesday 24th December – Closed
• Wednesday 25th December – Closed
• Thursday 26th December – Closed
• Friday 27th December – Closed
• Monday 30th December – Closed
• Tuesday 31sr December – Closed
• Wednesday 1st – Closed
• Thursday 2nd January – Closed
• Friday 3rd January – Closed
• Monday 4th January – Reopen

Support Services Still Available

During this holiday period our support services will still be operating to assist customers with any rental or service requirements, including breakdown support.

To get in touch with your local United branch, please contact 131 607.

The post United Christmas Closure 2024 appeared first on United Equipment.

Agriculture reigns supreme in this area, serving as a key industry with a significant contribution to the Australian market. This agricultural hub also supports a bustling transport sector, making it an ideal location for United to expand its services. The upcoming Inland Rail project, set to streamline freight between Melbourne and Brisbane, further enhances Toowoomba’s appeal as a strategic business hub.

United’s decision to establish a presence in Toowoomba was driven by existing strong customer relationships in the region. This new branch represents a significant step forward for United in the QLD region. We look forward to contributing to Toowoomba’s growth trajectory and serving our valued customers with enhanced accessibility and support for the years to come.

The post Expanding Horizons in Regional Toowoomba appeared first on United Equipment.

A big congratulations to our winner Toby from Just Another Agency  in Melbourne for an amazing entry featuring artist Chuck Mayfield‘s ‘Art Incubator’ Mural in Ballarat.

We received a very impressive range of images for this competition and we cant wait to share these on our social channels over the coming months.

The post iPhone 15 Pro Max Competition Winner! appeared first on United Equipment.