SPOA simulator will boost training
9 April 2024
The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has invested in a machine simulator and bespoke trailer to promote careers in the industry to schoolchildren as well as current professionals.
Costing £100,000 the Tenstar simulator will enable association members to visit schools, businesses and colleges across Scotland to reach out to young people and to upskill existing plant operators.
James Currie, Executive Committee member of the SPOA, said: “Having worked in the plant industry all my life, I know that it offers a rewarding and well-paid career. But I also know that, unless the industry is proactive in showcasing the opportunities to young people, we will miss out on attracting the talent that I know exists.
“As a member of the SPOA, I obviously run my own plant business and my sons have both shown a clear interest in the industry from an early age. My eldest son is a plant operator and loves every minute of it. But there are lots of young people out there, without that family connection to the industry, who simply aren’t aware of plant operating or any of the other careers the industry offers.
“I’m determined to change that, and thanks to this investment, members like myself can literally take the simulator on the road and give young people the chance to try out plant operating in a safe and controlled environment and let them speak to people from the industry who can give advice on how get a career in plant.”
James has already taken the trailer and the simulator to Keith Grammar School in Moray and Fordyce Primary School in Aberdeenshire. Over 50 pupils engaged with the machine over both events.
To upskill existing plant operators, the simulator has also visited a large construction and energy project at the Moray West Substation which links to Blackhillock Substation and Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, with around 20 miles of underground cable works ongoing. Operators were able to use the machine in tandem with a Trimble GPS tracking solution.
“We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received from the contractors, some of whom are already using 3D machine control but have been self-taught and only know the basics,” said James.
“They are now looking to get booked onto one of the regular courses that the SPOA runs with its partners at Setting Out for Construction so they can use 3D machine control to its true potential.”
The simulator will feature prominently on the SPOA stand at the ScotPlant exhibition taking place on 26 and 27 April at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, on Avenue C, Stand 13.
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