According to a recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, 94 percent of construction firms nationwide report open positions they’re trying to fill. In fact, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the skilled worker shortage has now surpassed half a million.
With some estimates projecting that 41 percent of the current construction workforce will retire by 2031, the ability to train new operators quickly and safely is becoming more crucial than ever before.
Simulation training, once reserved for aerospace and military applications, successfully expanded into heavy equipment training applications in construction several decades ago. It has been gaining traction ever since, as early adopters used it to shorten their training times, reduce costs, improve productivity, reduce emissions, and improve safety across the board.
For many, this technology could hold the answer to addressing the operator crisis.
While there are many advantages to using simulation in training programs, one of the most prized is its ability to drastically shorten training times. For example, by integrating simulation into its training program, general contractor Conewago Enterprises reduced its onsite crane training time from six months to seven weeks and lowered its training costs by more than 60 percent.
Similarly, Gerdau, a steel manufacturer and metal recycling company, halved its training times and improved instructor efficiency by 500 percent.
Part of simulation’s success comes from its ability to allow operators to practice a maneuver over and over again to get it right, as well as look at their performance data to see exactly which areas need improvement. That concentrated seat time, available 24/7 regardless of the weather, gets trainees up to speed fast.
“Simulation is a great way to get 10 years of experience in a very short time span,” observed 20-year-veteran heavy equipment operator and training expert Gary James. “In the real world, a typical operator’s training cycle will last five to eight years to master multiple machines. In the simulation world, I am able to achieve this in a matter of weeks or months.”
Operators can use simulation training to practice a range of skills, from familiarization with equipment controls to more advanced problem-solving. In fact, many have found success in using simulation for certification and recertification preparation.
Read the full article discussing the use of innovative simulation technology by the construction industry in order to close the skills gap on Construction News’ website.
