Interactive Simulator Training in Civil Construction: Evaluation from the Trainer's Perspective

The popularity of simulators to augment training programs for operators of heavy machinery has been growing across several industries including mining, rail and more recently construction. High-fidelity, interactive simulation is typically achieved through complete immersion in brief, stressful and complex VR scenarios. The use of simulation benefits industry through a reduction in training time, increasing safety and resulting in less damage to on-site equipment. Advantages to training providers across all industries include lower capital costs, less operational risk, and faster set up time. While some industries have been quick to embrace simulation training, civil construction has not. This paper introduces a project being undertaken to test the effectiveness of heavy plant simulators to improve current operator training methods. As a test case a simulator module was utilized in a 10 week introductory course in construction. A short survey explored the trainer's perspective on usability and effectiveness of the simulator for the purpose of gaining expert opinion and perceptions on the usability of a plant simulator in a real world construction skills course application. Initial feedback from these experienced trainers indicates several advantages to skills training and development using a simulator. (Contains 2 figures.)