Mining employees will be sent to an equipment dealer’s new autonomous learning facility in Western Australia’s South West region.
Mine workers from across the nation will have to make their way to the West Coast to be taught how to operate driverless truck technology.
Southern Hemisphere’s only centre
Caterpillar dealer WesTrac has officially opened a new Technology Training Centre just outside of Collie, 58km east of Bunbury. The facility is the second of its kind across the world, meaning workers will have to make the trip from all parts of the country for training.
“It not only provides future job opportunities for people in the South West and across the state but as the only facility for Caterpillar equipment training in the Southern Hemisphere, will attract trainees from across the country and globally when our borders reopen,” State Premier Mark McGowan said in a public statement.
The State Government contributed $2.7 million of taxpayer money to the centre through the Collie Futures Fund.
Rigorous schedule
Mine workers will be trained in fit-out, calibration and maintenance for converting and operating Caterpillar haulage vehicles.
“We are also planning to expand the range of courses on offer to ensure the facility caters for the skills that will be in demand as the resource sector evolves and the roles associated with that evolution become more technically advanced,” WesTrac CEO Jarvas Croome said in a public statement.
“We have already partnered with various local operators to provide catering, cleaning and various other required products and services, and will continue to buy locally wherever possible.”
Related articles
Mining giant gave ‘no warning’ about driverless trucks says industry
Mining giant confirms driverless trucks for metal mine
Driverless truck contract awarded for metal operation
Central Queensland coal mine ditches driverless trucks.
Add Comment