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 their training focuses on machine care and not operator skill.
My entire career has been spent developing shovel operator skill levels to their highest potential. During this time, I’ve witnessed too many lost opportunities for the OEMs, mining clients, and operators. These losses are usually due to unqualified trainers.
When I started on electric shovels in 1974 “training” hadn’t been invented yet. My oiler duties were to help the shovel operator. He followed an old school of thought. It was “you never tell the new guy anything because he can take your job someday”. I learned by watching his mistakes. I also made many mistakes of my own. This method is often referred to as “the school of hard-knocks”. This is a tough way to learn. I vowed to help others. I wanted to make sure they didn’t have to go through the stressful learning process I endured over the years.
The Shovel Guy
