Training Simulation

Anecdotal evidence within the resources sector suggests that the use of simulators in the delivery of training accelerates on-the-job knowledge, as well as encourages good safety habits.

What is simulation?

The Simulation Industry Association of Australia defines simulation as:

using a tool (such as a computer) to imitate the dynamic characteristics of a system. 

What is the role of simulators in the delivery of training?

Anecdotal evidence within the resources sector suggests that the use of simulators in the delivery of training accelerates on-the-job knowledge, as well as encourages good safety habits.

Simulators are learning technology tools that enable users to execute tasks and activities in a virtual world, thereby learning and practicing real life skills.  This fast growth area plays a significant role in reducing the skills shortage experienced by the industry and is a very exciting area.

Simulators assist the training process because:

• Anecdotal research suggests that safety records on mine sites that use technology within their training programs are better than those that don’t
  
• The training process becomes more exciting
  
• The training is more realistic and therefore more effective and engaging; and 
  
• The outcomes of the training can be applied on the job, on a daily basis

The Mining Industry Skills Centre has developed a five step Simulator Training Program to assist the resources effectively use simulators within their training program, on a fee for service basis.

Five step approach to simulator training

To develop an effective Simulator Training Program the Mining Industry Skills Centre facilitates a 5 step process:

1. Analysis of Training Needs:  identify key operational indicators and opportunities for improvement within the mining organisation.

2. Trainer Support:  working with the organisations trainers, two training programs are available:
a. Introduction to Simulation Training
b. Training Excellence Program

3. Trainee Skills Evaluation:  provides an indication of the trainee’s strong skills and areas for improvement.

4. Simulator Training Program:  allows for multiple training and assessment paths, based on trainees previous training and experience, and/or site operational needs including:
a. New Operator Training
b. Refresher Training
c. Testing Operational Functions

5. Reporting and Monitoring:  the Skills Centre produces a report that analyses the training outcomes against the pre-determined benchmarks.

Heavy Industry Simulators:

The Skills Centre currently has a number of different heavy industry simulator models available for hire. These are:

• Cat 785C Truck unit
• Cat 777D Truck unit
• Cat 992G Wheeled loader
• Terex MT 4400 Truck unit
• Cat D11R Dozer
• Komatsu 830E Truck unit
• Bucyrus 1370 Dragline
• O&K RH 200 Shovel/Excavator
• Cat 16G Grader

More information:

Please click here to download an information sheet about the work the Skills Centre is doing with Simulation and eLearning.
For more information on Simulator Training, please contact Deanna Hutchinson on email dhutchinson@miskillscentre.com.au or telephone 07 3872 8500.

PROJECT CANARY

PROJECT CANARY is an industry first serious games-based simulation training tool developed by the Mining Industry Skills Centre in collaboration with simulation experts, QinetiQ. | more