Articles - CAT® SIMULATORS

8 11, 2021

MHS students get to work with heavy equipment

Monroe High School held its first-ever Heavy Equipment Day for students in Career and Technical Education programs.

Industry professionals brought equipment on-site, offered hands-on learning experiences and shared information about post-secondary career opportunities and training.

Partner organizations that provided guest speakers and equipment for the Heavy Equipment Day included Michigan CAT, the Michigan County Road Commission, Kwest Group, Thoma Trucking and Bulldozing, Local 324 – Operating Engineers, and MISS DIG 811. Classes rotated among several stations that included using CAT simulator equipment, maneuvering a real crane and miniexcavator, listening to guest speakers, and participating in Q&A sessions.

Students used the crane to pick up a traffic cone, move it, and place it on a pylon. A similar exercise was set up with the mini-excavator. The activities provided an introduction to the heavy equipment and an exciting first experience for many students. Kwest Group brought a trailer outfitted with state-of-the-art CAT simulator equipment with three software modules – excavator, loader, and dozer. Roger Kidd, Kwest CFO, has a son in Marchese’s Construction Fundamentals class and was pleased to be able to provide the simulator experience to the MHS students.

“The construction workforce is aging out, and new workers are needed,” Kidd stated. “You can make a good income in the industry, and the demand for these skills is increasing.”

Kwest offers entry-level, intermediate, and advanced simulator training, for operator certification at levels A through E. Workers can also take classes at Kwest while working on the job, hone their skills, and move up to higher levels, Kidd said.

The day was initially planned for the 100-plus students in the construction trades program, but instructors Andrew Marchese and Tom Bell opened it up to additional MHS career training programs. Students in construction, electro-mechanical (drones), automotive technology, and welding classes benefitted from the hands-on activities and guest speakers.

Some of the electro-mechanical students also used drones to capture footage of the day’s activities.

“We work collaboratively with our CTE colleagues to provide rich learning opportunities to MHS students,” Marchese stated. “It is beneficial to expose students to other fields, and some of the organizations represented here have information about multiple career areas, such as hydraulics that apply to our automotive students.”

The planned activities encompassed state standards, work-based learning components, and post-secondary career opportunities, Marchese said.

“Our students enjoyed working with the equipment, gained some hands-on experience, and expanded their career knowledge,” he said. “It was a very successful day, and we hope to make it an annual event.”

Original Article from The Monroe News by Wendy Krouse, Community Engagement Coordinator. Nov. 6, 2021: https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2021/11/06/mhs-students-get-work-heavy-equipment/6298344001/

1 11, 2021

Ledcor US Civil and Mining invests in employees using tech-based training

Based in Reno, Nevada, Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining services reach across the lifespan of a mine, from facility construction to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, as well as mine reclamation and a wide variety of heavy civil activities. With vast long-term projects in multiple locations across Nevada and into California, the team is continuously growing along with the training programs.

At Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining, all new and existing employees participate in a diverse range of career training and development which includes field, classroom, computer-based and simulator training. The importance of educating the workforce ensures that not only do the mines run smoothly, efficiently, and safely but developing the team and ensuring they grow within the company.

From haulage to drilling and blasting the team of six Mine trainers support all aspects of site duties, training over 300 Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining employees in a year. Collaboratively, these individuals make up a diverse team and have over 130 years of mining and heavy equipment experience combined. Their experience ranges from construction sized equipment and tasks to mining machines.

Meet a few of the Mine Trainers behind Ledcor’s US Heavy Civil and Mining training and development programs:

Leading the team of trainers is Jerry, Training Manager, who leads the development of the Operator and Supervisor education. Jerry brings over 36 years of experience in mining and production management. “Our group of trainers have experience not only in operations but leading people. They drive safety through their real-world experience with a mindset of educating the workforce,” says Jerry, Training Manager.

Shane, Mine Trainer, started his career in the mining industry as a Heavy Equipment Operator working his way up to a Superintendent and Project Manager. At Ledcor, he leads the Competent assessor duties and creates competent assessors for projects across Nevada and into California.

Competent assessors are employees that have been trained to correctly assess the operators and provide skill enhancements based off the findings of the assessment structure which is held to high documentation standards. “It is our goal to make sure all employees are trained and understand everything about the equipment in order to operate it safely and efficiently,” says Shane.

Shelly, Mine Trainer began her mining journey as a truck driver operating 240–400 ton trucks and became a well-respected Operations dispatch professional, leading large surface production crews. At Ledcor, she leads the training of the simulators and is proficient with major dispatch systems such as Jigsaw, Modular Mining and Caterpillars Minstar systems for the mining sector. “

The simulators include Haul Truck and Wheel Loader training that cannot be done in work areas. This includes truck fire reactions, tire blowout, slick road reaction and control, to loss of brakes and steering. The simulators also provide basic training of equipment that include brake and steering tests, backing to crusher pockets, dumping at berms, proper gear and brake use and control familiarization.

“Our training program allows us to strengthen the skills that each employee needs to learn or improve upon. Providing the necessary training creates an overall knowledgeable workforce. Working as a team within all departments to achieve the common goal is one of the many rewards as a trainer,” says Shelley.

Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining also invests in training assets to help employees grow, one of which is computer-based training modules that cover twenty-one topics ranging from pre-use inspection, construction equipment to mining equipment. “We are in a world of creating and developing the workforce. We find that educating our team prior to arriving on site will realize a safer more value driven group of teammates.” says Jerry, Training Manager

Currently, Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining is developing a Heavy Equipment training school scheduled to open in 2022. This school will provide machine safety and basic operation as an avenue to develop current employees and recruit people who are interested in a career in mining. Manufacturers and other companies have expressed a great interest in this endeavor and are willing to participate in this concept we are currently calling Ledcor Academy.

Looking to develop and grow a career in mining? Ledcor US Heavy Civil and Mining is anticipating another year of growth and is looking for hard-working, dedicated people that have a strong commitment to safety to join the team. Opportunities range from Technical roles, Managers to Operators.

The Ledcor Group of Companies is one of North America’s most diversified construction companies, serving the civil & infrastructure, oil & gas, pipeline, building, mining, power, and telecommunications sectors. Ledcor also owns operations in property investment, forestry, aviation, and marine transportation services. Ledcor is a privately held, employee-owned company with over 800 employee shareholders. Ledcor employs over 7000 people across 20 offices. Since 1947 the company has been growing with its clients and partners: Forward. Together.

See how at www.ledcor.com and explore opportunities at jobs.ledcor.com.

Original Article from mining.com: https://www.mining.com/web/ledcor-us-civil-and-mining-invests-in-employees-using-tech-based-training/

25 10, 2021

Students Have Real-World Experience With Simulator

CRESCO – Students from Crestwood and Riceville High Schools were able to experience a construction simulator at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) on Oct. 6.

This was a partnership between Equipment Operator Training, LLC (EOT), JB Holland Construction and NICC.

The simulator is a training tool for students and employees to operate heavy equipment, such as a dozer, excavator, motor grader and end loader, from the comfort of a trailer.

Roger Solberg, owner of EOT, explained the need for simulator training. “All of the contractors in Iowa and neighboring states need workers. This top-of-the-line simulator is a virtual reality way of teaching them how to run the equipment.”

The students sit in a chair on a moving platform, working the controls and watching on a screen, and also with virtual reality goggles, as they work with dirt.

It is hoped the simulator will spark the interest of high schoolers, who will go into the construction business. Solberg said, “The younger generation doesn’t know the technology needed in the construction field. Also, the guys my age are retiring, and we need the younger kids.”

It used to be that farm kids would work construction because they knew how to operate the equipment. Now there aren’t as many farm kids. And some youth have never even used a rider lawn mower.

Garrett Grabau, 2012 Crestwood graduate, added, “[JB Holland] is currently in the recruiting process. We’re looking for help.” The company uses the simulator in the winter and early spring to train new employees. It helps them to be more productive and more comfortable with the job.

Solberg said females are the best candidates. First of all, they are considered a minority in the industry, making it fairly easy for a girl or woman to get a job. They leave the cab of the equipment cleaner than guys, and they finish the job.

This is the second year NICC used the simulator. It traveled to different high schools, including Crestwood.

NICC-Cresco Center Director Jessica Reis said, “We’re excited to offer this experience again. NICC works hard to bring real-world career exposure to high school students through work-based learning opportunities. This partnership allows us to do that by getting students simulated ‘seat time’ in a very in-dmand occupation in our state.””

Earn and Learn Program

The simulator is also a way to introduce career opportunities to traditional and non-traditional students.

Reis explained, “The NICC Earn and Learn model addresses students’ economic needs while providing them with in-demand skills. The program targets recent high school graduates, high school stop outs and young adults looking to upskill or re-skill. Earn and Learn enables students to learn skills with little debt and while earning wages to support their families.”

Students who enroll in an Earn and Learn Career Pathway Certificate receive support from NICC to arrange interviews with business partners, and the students earn a wage while gaining valuable work-based learning experience. The best practice follows an apprenticeship model where students receive a wage for the time at the workplace and while in class. Most Earn and Learn students attend class 15 hours per week over the course of a 12 week certificate.

Earn and Learn helps employers hire workers now to fill their immediate needs while providing workers the skills they need to succeed in the long-term and secure a stable future.

Original Article by: Marcie Klomp; The Cresco Times. http://www.crescotimes.com/news/students-have-real-world-experience-simulator

18 10, 2021

Hoopaugh Grading Company (HGC) Focuses on Employee Training at the HGC Academy Featuring Cat® Simulators

When Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC, (HGC), one of the largest general contractors in North and South Carolina, opened the doors to the HGC Academy, owner Brian McManus’ vision became a reality. McManus and company leaders envisioned HGC would one day be a teaching company able to train and develop its employees to become some of the construction industry’s best. Located in a 20,000 square foot facility, the HGC Academy can accommodate over 100 students simultaneously in its three large training rooms, while rotating students on three state-of-the-art, customizable Cat® Simulators systems.

“We take a holistic approach to training,” explained Katie Page, HGC Director of Team Development. “In addition to our in-class curriculum, our certified trainers work with our teammates on the simulators then follow them out to the field. It’s more than just sitting in the classroom and learning. Our teammates have the opportunity to learn in different settings and environments.”

Page described the company’s growth of more than 200 new employees in 18 months as “quick growth.” She continued, “We’ve brought in some new teammates who have no experience in the industry. And part of the reason we could do that is the Cat simulators, along with our experienced field trainers in the Academy.”

“We’ve brought in some
new teammates who have no experience in the industry. And part of the reason we could do that is the Cat simulators, along with our experienced field trainers
in the Academy.”

“Bringing in this younger generation, especially those who aren’t considering going to college, or maybe are at a trade or technical school, is something we’re proud of,” explained Page. “It’s allowed us to be able to partner with local nonprofits and schools to help promote the industry and show people there’s a path besides college they can come into and still have a great career.”

Twenty-year-old Salma Limon was among those 200 new employees. Limon worked in a local food factory before HGC hired her in January as a compact roller operator. As a little girl, Limon never imagined being a heavy equipment operator although she had always enjoyed tagging along to jobsites with her dad. “One day I was sitting in a mini excavator when my dad teased me saying, ‘Don’t dig us to China!’” laughed Limon. “Now, 10 years later I’m out here working on construction sites operating a Caterpillar dozer.”

When Limon’s supervisor suggested she consider operating a dozer, Limon used the HGC Academy as a resource. She received in-class instruction and hands-on Cat Simulator dozer training to give her more experience on the dozer and to better understand the controls and applications. The simulator training proved invaluable to her. “Learning how to position the blade on the simulator helped me know how to control the real dozer blade, which is very similar to the simulator,” Limon explained.

The simulator also helped calm her nerves. “At first, when I got in the dozer, I had sweaty hands and was shaking a bit,” she said. “I was afraid of the tilting, but the simulator helped with that too.”

Tony Newlin, HGC Simulator Coordinator and Instructor has seen students like Limon many times. “They come in and they’re nervous about operating a new and different machine, but they know they’re not going to hurt anything on the simulator,” he explained. “The simulator takes a lot of the nervousness away. So, when students get on the actual machines, they’ve had the whole experience with all the buttons and switches and can focus on their task and what they have to do on-site.”

“When a supervisor wants to enhance somebody’s career or put them on a different machine for a higher pay grade or to support a new team, they send them here to the Academy. We train them on the simulators, answer their questions and coach them to make sure they understand everything and feel comfortable,” said Newlin.

Newlin continued, “With our three Cat Simulator motion platforms and five machine convertible controls, I can swap out our articulated truck, dozer, motor grader, wheel loader and excavator simulators in just a matter of 20 minutes.”

“There’s a waitlist to use the simulators and the flexibility that the convertible controls bring has been key to managing that waitlist,” said Newlin. “We have so many teammates who want to experience and better themselves on the simulators. They challenge themselves and each other, so it becomes a competition. Who has the most loads? The bigger bucket size? It’s good camaraderie.”

“The simulator takes a lot
of the nervousness away. So, when students get on the actual machines, they’ve had the whole experience with all the buttons and switches and can focus on their task and what they have
to do on-site.”

HGC Academy purchased the Manager’s Workstation software which tracks and records students’ usage data in July 2020. In the past 14 months, HGC students have logged a total of 530 hours of seat time, consumed over 1,500 gallons of virtual fuel and driven over 935 virtual miles, noted Newlin. “We’ve had numerous teammates advance their careers through the simulators. It’s been such a positive experience all around.”

9 09, 2021

Heavy Equipment Operator Students Gain Confidence of Real-World Skills in Virtual Simulator Training at Collins Career Technical Center

After an accident left Jason Douglas unable to continue his career as an auto mechanic, he knew he needed to re-invent himself. At 36 years old, Douglas, who lives in Ironton, Ohio, started searching for new opportunities. That’s when he discovered the accredited Heavy Equipment Operator course at nearby Collins Career Technical Center (CCTC) in Chesapeake, Ohio.

Douglas saw the program as his opportunity to become a heavy equipment operator, something he had always been interested in doing. And the course was unique because it offered more than just textbook and in-class instruction; it also included simulator training on four Cat® Simulators which would prepare him for hands-on, in-cab, heavy equipment experience on a real jobsite. “After I was healed up, everything fell into place perfectly where I could get into the course,” said Douglas.

Douglas started attending the course in February ̶ eight hours, every day, every week, for a total of 1,156 hours ̶ which will end in October.

CCTC Associate Director Michael Staton and Post-Secondary Administrator/Director of Technology Chris Leese partnered with Ohio Local 18 Operating Engineers to design the training. “After completing a needs assessment with local employers and Local Operating Engineers in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, we determined there was a great need for operator training to address the future demands of close to 22,000 heavy equipment operators over the next two years,” explained Staton.

Aligning the program with the Ohio Department of Higher Education was a priority as well as supporting CCTC’s mission statement to prepare youth and adults to enter, compete and advance in an ever-changing world of work. “We believe this in-depth heavy equipment training program will be crucial for the Tri-State’s future workforce,” said Staton.

Douglas is proof positive the program works. “I went from not knowing very much about any of the machines to being able to climb on one and start operating it without worrying about hurting anyone,” explained Douglas – who attributes much of his confidence to the muscle memory he gained from the authentic Cat® controls in the simulators.

Douglas continued, “If the controls had been generic controls, they wouldn’t have been near as beneficial. The way the simulator is, it’s like you’re actually sitting inside a Caterpillar cab. I wouldn’t hesitate for any of us to operate equipment on our own. As far as going out on a jobsite, I’m comfortable with the machines now.”

With four months of classroom instruction and more than 40 hours of hands-on simulator training, Douglas and his seven classmates started the course lab work on an actual jobsite belonging to the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, explained Staton. “This particular project is the beginning of a sports complex. From June to October, the students are getting seat and stick time. It’s not just moving dirt on flat ground. It’s terrain. We’re shooting grades. We’re building roads,” continued Staton. “The students are getting a great gambit of training. Probably not like any other career center offers right now I would think.”

“We wanted the real-world feel. We wanted the articulation. We wanted the movement in the seat. We wanted the vibrations,” said Staton. “We wanted the simulators to just feel as much like sitting in the seat and behind the stick as they possibly could. And that’s what Cat Simulators offer.”

Staton and Leese recognized the exceptional value Cat Simulators’ real-world feel would bring to the students’ learning experience. Leese explained, “The students all said the muscle memory they developed is hard to replace. They said it felt like a normal progression to them; and they didn’t feel as intimidated getting on a real machine because they had been on the simulators.”

Leese also wanted the program to stand out against other similar adult education programs. “And for us, that was Cat Simulators,” said Leese who purchased the program’s small wheel loader, motor grader, excavator and dozer. “The simulators are the icing on the cake for students wanting to be heavy equipment operators.”

Heavy equipment instructor, Mark Norris, appreciates that students can safely learn how to operate the heavy equipment effectively without potentially harming themselves or others on the jobsite. “The simulators teach them how to start and stop a machine,” explained Norris. “I’d rather try to stop somebody sitting in a simulator than I would sitting on a real machine. It gives you the sense you’re sitting in a real machine without the risk of running over somebody or something.”

With the success of this year’s program and students, Leese is excited about the future. “I would like to develop the program in such a way that we can have two classes in the future,” said Leese. “That’s the big picture down the road.”

For more information about CCTC’s Heavy Equipment Operator program, contact Mike Staton at 740.646.9462 or mkstaton@collins-cc.edu or visit http://www.collins-cc.edu/adult/programs/tradeandindustry/heavyequipmentoperator/.

To learn more about Cat Simulators, contact an Account Manager at 1.309.266.2640 or info@catsimulators.com or visit https://catsimulators.com/construction-simulators/.

About Simformotion™ LLC Simformotion™ LLC is a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions. Simulation can help address initiatives such as safety and production; while ensuring training can be delivered anytime day or night, regardless of weather conditions. Simformotion™ LLC is a licensee of Caterpillar Inc.

1 09, 2021

WPCC reveals new heavy equipment simulation lab

Those interested in pursuing a career in construction or heavy machinery operation can now receive training thanks to new simulator at Western Piedmont Community College.

The new heavy equipment simulator program allows students who are interested in heavy machinery operation the chance to try the equipment out without risking damage to the real machines.

The simulator will allow students to safely practice operating heavy machinery in a virtual setting. Students will learn different skills and training in the simulation lab before operating the actual machines.

WPCC President Joel Welch is excited to offer this new program to students interested in the construction field. He believes each student deserves an opportunity to pursue the career of their choice and this will allow students interested in construction to receive the training necessary to succeed.

“Work is valuable and good hard work is valuable. That’s something that we want to see and we want people to understand and have an opportunity,” Welch said. “We have a group of people out there that aren’t going to a university, they’re not coming to the community college, they’re not going in the military. They’re looking, in many cases, for short-term great skills that will start them on a path so that they can build a career and make a difference in our region and our county.”

With new construction developments going on throughout the city of Morganton and Burke County, Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson sees this new simulation lab as an opportunity to continue that growth.

“We are excited about this new venture because it means a difference to Morganton and Burke County,” Thompson said. “We thank ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) for their contribution because they made it possible and with Murphy’s Farm coming online, NCSSM and other developments at least within the city of Morganton, heavy equipment is going to be needed. We need young people and middle-aged people to run heavy equipment.”

Like many workplaces around the world, the field of construction is in desperate need of employees. This new simulator will allow students to receive a targeted training to introduce them to the field of construction without the fear of wrecking an expensive piece of machinery.

Jeff Fields, corporate recruiter for Morgan Corporation Construction, wants people to understand how important it is to have knowledge of heavy machinery operation when going into the field of construction. He is excited that students have the opportunity to practice on a simulator and receive that training before arriving at a job site.

“The construction industry alone over the next two years needs a million workers,” Fields said. “Probably over 95% of construction projects start with heavy equipment, from clearing the land to digging holes and things like that. It’s beneficial to start an individual on a simulator and not putting them on a real piece that’s costing half a million to $1 million and tearing it up.”

The simulator at WPCC is something that Welch sees expanding region-wide. He see this as a new opportunity to introduce the field of construction and heavy machinery to different people across the region.

“We have the ability to take this out across the region and introduce people from different areas to the field,” Welch said. “We really love the idea that in today’s environment, kids did not grow up like they used to. They’re generally not out on farms driving old trucks and driving equipment. This is a great way to introduce people without them being scared that they’re going to break something and without breaking something.”

There will be a class for the simulation lab beginning at WPCC this September. With the use of Gear Up funds, the class will be free to students that are enrolled, Welch said.

Original Article by Sydni Hall – The News Herald: https://morganton.com/news/local/education/wpcc-reveals-new-heavy-equipment-simulation-lab/article_d6f9afe0-075e-11ec-a199-13c2573541b4.html

27 08, 2021

Illinois Department of Corrections upends inmate work business model

As an Illinois state prison inmate, having a job when incarcerated is considered a privilege.

About 1,100 men and women — out of the about 40,000 Illinois state prison inmates — have the opportunity to leave their cells during the day to work at prison shops on the grounds of the prison.

Prison jobs pay far less than minimum wage — about $0.30 to $2.25 an hour. Typical work ranges from packaging bratwurst and putting together eyeglasses to making brooms and assembling furniture.

Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI), a program of the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC), oversees the prisoner work programs. Jared Brunk, chief administrative officer of ICI, said the Illinois Department of Corrections has done a deep dive into the purpose of the ICI prison jobs programs. As a result, the DOC has reevaluated ICI’s business model and decided to change the focus of the program from contract work to vocational training.

“With the leadership of Director (Rob) Jefferies and the other administrators within the department, we are trying to be transformative,” Brunk said.

Part of the effort is realigning ICI’s vocational training with state industries, Brunk said.

“We want to move industries into the continuum of vocational programming,” he said.

One participating company is construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.

“We have procured 20, full-blown, CAT certified simulators — just like you would see at a community college or a vocational school,” Brunk said. “The individuals who use these simulators will actually get a certificate that shows that they have so many hours of training on the simulator and the metrics that go along with it.”

When the inmate gets out of prison, they will be able to show a prospective employer they have certified, simulator training on how to operate bulldozers, earth movers and other large pieces of Caterpillar equipment.

“We really want to have the industry’s program take the lead for being the catalyst to get U.S. Department of Labor certificates for the individuals in custody,” Brunk said.

The vision is ICI’s new vocational focus will eventually provide training in mechanics, heavy equipment operation, HVAC servicing and repair, logistical support, basic IT functions, welding, and other in-demand skills that can lead to good-paying jobs, he said.

The jobs that the prison shops provide now do not require a high level of training.

“Several of our shops were getting pre-manufactured goods and they were breaking those goods out into smaller boxes — basically acting as a pass-through between the primary manufacturer and the state customers,” Brunk said. “Those types of programs are not providing the type of training that meets the needs of today’s labor force.”

The goal of the job training is to give inmates a new path forward, so when they get out of prison, they do not wind up reoffending and being sent back to prison. Inmates who are part of existing ICI programs are much less likely to commit crimes when they get out of prison than inmates in the general prison population, Brunk said.

Original Article By Andrew Hensel – Illinois Radio Network: https://www.advantagenews.com/news/local/granite-city-news/illinois-department-of-corrections-upends-inmate-work-business-model/article_63c24e14-05e3-11ec-bdf5-5793d7144bd1.html

9 08, 2021

Safe & Sound Week (August 9-15)

Safe & Sound week (Aug 9-15) is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. The U.S. Dept of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) offers safety many resources for organizations to develop their own programs. Find out more: https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek

4 08, 2021

From hands-on training to the workforce

The partnership between CCHS and BTI provides opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in heavy equipment operation that prepares them for life beyond high school

Dust clouds could be seen off Lamonta Road Wednesday afternoon, as dirt was being moved by a dozer, excavator, wheel loader, min excavator and skid-steer.

This activity was being propagated by heavy equipment operators from Crook County High School, who were part of a heavy equipment training through Baker Technical Institute (BTI). Six students have spent a total of 120 hours learning both simulation classroom activities and hands-on field work, as they learn the operation, safety, and preventive maintenance for heavy equipment.

Baker Technical Institute is a leading provider of Career Technical Education programs focused on developing the next generation of skilled workers, technology innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders in rural communities. Headquartered in Baker City, BTI offers cutting-edge education and training, leading to certification in high-wage, high-demand careers, such as agricultural sciences, building trades, natural resources/environmental sciences, engineering, health services, welding, heavy equipment operation, truck driving, and manufacturing.

Dawson Vanderwiele, instructor for the simulator training course held in the mobile trailer for Baker Technical Institute, demonstrates a large equipment training unit she teaches during the 80-minute course. She pointed out that when they finish the simulator training, students immediately get on the equipment and begin operating it efficiently. Vanderwiele noted that two-thirds of the training for the level one certification for heavy equipment is spent on the simulator.

Baker Technical Institute is pleased to announce a partnership with Crook County School District to provide specialized training for local students. Over the previous few weeks, high school students in Prineville learned to operate heavy equipment and became more familiar with the workforce needs of a thriving industry.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for the students at Crook County High School,” says Doug Dalton, BTI president. “Students have lost so much this past year and a half, especially when it comes to hands-on learning like career and technical courses. Crook County did better than most when it comes to keeping students involved, but it still was far from a normal learning environment.”

He went on to say, “The goal of this training is to get these students a valuable certification and position them to enter the construction workforce in a high-wage career. This is a career path that so many students from our rural communities want to pursue versus an expensive traditional college route. The trades are an outstanding option right now with wages and benefits higher than ever, and the least amount of people entering the field.”

Sandy Mitchell, program coordinator for BTI, commented that in addition to heavy equipment, they offer trucking, welding and nursing through the institute. They articulated and trained in 11 high schools in Oregon during the past year.

“We will go in and train heavy equipment operators at the high school level,” she added. “It’s been great to partner with Crook County High School and to be able to bring this as a summer program to their students. They have been a great partner.”

The students spent the first two weeks (80 hours) with the simulator with a simulator instructor. They do their last 40 hours on the equipment doing their hands-on training. When they complete the training, they receive a certificate of completion. It is a level one training for the students. Instructors evaluate the tasks the students are doing to determine their proficiency. There is also an introductory level and a level two certification.

“Anyone that goes to any operator training school or anything (similar), you get a certificate of completion, and it tells everything that you have done, your hours that you have completed, and how well you did on every piece of equipment,” added Mitchell.

BTI focuses on getting people industry certifications and getting back into the workforce. She indicated that in Baker High School, they have a full-time high school course in the construction trades, including the BTI heavy equipment course.

Dawson Vanderwiele teaches the simulator training for the mobile trailer. Vanderwiele noted that two-thirds of the training for the level one certification for heavy equipment is spent on the simulator.

Her family has had an excavation and sand and gravel company business for 32 years in Baker. BTI came into Baker City when she was a junior in high school in Baker. She was the youngest person and first female trained to be a cat simulator instructor for operators. She has been doing this for four-and-a-half years, while finishing high school and college.

“They say the time spent on a simulator is equal to two times that length of time on the real equipment,” said Vanderwiele. “So, the two weeks that they spend here on the simulator is an equivalent to four weeks on the actual equipment.”

She added that when they finish the simulator training, they immediately get on the equipment and begin operating it efficiently. She gave the example of a loader.

“They get in and they know exactly what to do and they go to pick up dirt. They are getting full scoops immediately, and we watch and barely even have to critique most of their operations, because they learn it all properly and efficiently in here. They get to move dirt and enjoy it, and we challenge them and try to help them learn more.”

She went on to say, “The best part is when you know you have provided a student with a new opportunity in life, because most all of our students otherwise would never have gone into the heavy equipment industry at all.”

Vanderwiele emphasized that they also partner with Department of Humans Services (DHS) and correctional facilities for youth. The mobile trailer is on the road all year long.

Jake Huffman, CCHS assistant principal, also commented that not all students choose to go to college, and this impacts their entire life – and this is a career choice.

“The thing that is most impressive for me, is they go right from this class, and they can join the workforce right away with the proper qualifications. The employers have confidence to know that they have done the right things to be ready for the job,” said Huffman. “A lot of the kids who are doing this have commented how impactful this was, and how useful and relevant it was. That is the thing I like the most about it—is it is an immediate transition from taking a class, to getting credit, to getting certifications and joining the workforce right away. BTI has been amazing to work with,” Huffman concluded.

“Crook County School District is committed to growing our Career and Technical Education programs and providing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience that prepares them for life beyond high school. We are excited about the partnership with BTI and look forward to taking our CTE offerings to the next level,” said Crook County School District Superintendent Dr. Sara Johnson.

The next heavy equipment operator course for the public is scheduled for September, and registration is now open. For more information about BTI courses or to enroll in one of the various other programs, visit bakerti.org or call 541-524-2651 and talk to an enrollment specialist or student success coach.

Original Article by Ramona McCallister, Pamplin Media Group, August 03, 2021: https://pamplinmedia.com/ceo/164-features/517388-413284-from-hands-on-training-to-the-workforce

14 07, 2021

Track Adjustment Affects Undercarriage Wear

Every application affects undercarriage wear differently and requires proper track adjustment. Adjust the track in the underfoot conditions in which the machine is working. For example, if track that is correctly adjusted for a non-packing application is put into a packing situation, packing materials will increase track tension, making the track adjustment too tight. Added track tension increases both the load and the wear on all mating components of the undercarriage. Improperly adjusted track can result in problems and wear on other components such as:

Bushing and sprocket wear. Tight track increases loads, which advances wear. Wear occurs as the bushing rotates and/or slides in the sprocket.
Link, track roller, and idler wear. To a lesser extent, tight track increases loads between the links, rollers, and idlers. This particularly accelerates wear on the idlers.