Training is a process by which someone is taught the skills that are needed for a profession or job. In mining, particularly with new mining shovels, operator training is usually included in the shovel purchase agreement. That’s the good part, however the bad part is that not all training is the same.
My entire career has been spent developing shovel operator skill levels to their highest potential. During this time I’ve seen too many lost opportunities for the OEMs, mining clients, and operators usually due to unqualified trainers.
When I started on electric shovels in 1974 “training” hadn’t been invented yet. My oiler duties were to assist the shovel operator which was from the old school of thought that “you never tell the new guy anything because he may take your job someday”. And so I learned by watching his mistakes and making many mistakes of my own which is often referred to as “the school of hard-knocks”. This is a tough way to learn and vowed to help others so they didn’t have to go through the stressful learning process I endured over the years.
The Shovel Guy
