Driving success at COTR

College of the Rockies collaborated with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and the Aboriginal Mentoring and Training Association (AMTA) in Merritt, B.C. to offer its Haul Truck Program in August 2014. — Bob Mills photo

Since its inception in September 2013, the Haul Truck Operator Program at College of the Rockies (COTR) in Cranbrook and Fernie, B.C., has been successful in preparing more than 150 prospective employees for jobs in Canada’s mining sector.

This includes graduates who have received their Haul Truck certificate via COTR’s mobile simulator. Within the last year, the mobile unit has travelled to Williams Lake, Merritt and Creston, B.C., to deliver training, and it will be on the road again in May 2015.

The Haul Truck Operator course at COTR is the only program of its kind in B.C., and the course is unique in that it covers all aspects of haul truck operations. With a combined 45-plus years of experience in the mining industry, the instructors cover the major components of both electric and mechanical trucks, including emergency steering and braking systems, and retarding systems. Tires are one of the biggest expenses in the mining industry, so specific attention is given to proper tire care as well as to efficient operating procedures at loading units and dumps. Alarm and warning systems, emergency stopping procedures, fire procedures and fire suppression systems are learned and practised. Time is also spent discussing slips, trips and falls, which continue to cause the majority of injuries to equipment operators, resulting in problems for employers as well.

Upon successful completion of the four-week course, graduates receive not only a Haul Truck certificate but they also leave with their Construction Safety Training System, WHMIS, industry-standard first aid and Health Safety and Reclamation Code tickets—which gives them a huge advantage over other employment seekers in this job market.

“Our primary objective is to have students get jobs as competent haul truck operators,” said Darren Hood, lead Haul Truck instructor at COTR.

The college employs five Pro 3 Haul Truck simulators from Immersive Technologies. With motion bases, full head tracking capabilities and 180-degree screens, students get completely involved in realistic mining scenarios, interacting with hydraulic shovels, electric shovels, excavators and wheel loaders. They also learn how to negotiate hills and ramps in different weather and road conditions and how to recognize and respond to all kinds of mechanical failures and emergency situations.

Steve Ogilvie deals with an emergency situation in a simulated Caterpillar haul truck. — Monte Smith photo

The success of the Haul Truck program has prompted COTR to invest in three new kits for its simulators, allowing the college to expand its training capabilities.

“Soon, we will be in a position to offer specific training for dozer, excavator and grader operators,” said Hood. “And we can tailor our program for whatever employers need.”

For more information, see the Haul Truck Operator Program website.