In This Issue
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville Expands Heavy Equipment Operator Program to Include Apprenticeship Training
- Canada Heavy Equipment Operators in the Workforce Infographic
- Maintenance Tips for Maximum Uptime Series: Mining Truck
- Caterpillar’s 2025 Global Operator Challenge to Feature Cat® Simulators Systems
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville Expands Heavy Equipment Operator Program to Include Apprenticeship Training
In 2022, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville launched a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training program to meet the workforce demands of the construction industry and provide a valuable career training opportunity for the community. Collaborating with local businesses and industry partners, the college has enhanced its HEO training program to include an apprenticeship option, which is already addressing career and workforce needs in the region.
When Sally Porter, Strategic Impact Coordinator at TCAT Knoxville, learned that a local landscaping company needed HEO apprenticeship training, she began collaborating with them to meet their apprenticeship training needs.
The college’s established HEO program, which features Cat® Simulators systems, now plays an essential role in the TCAT Knoxville’s HEO apprenticeship training. “The three-year apprenticeship focuses on training heavy equipment operators using our Cat Simulators, including the Articulated Truck, Dozer, Excavator and Advanced Excavator,” said Porter. She added that students gain valuable experience through hands-on simulator training and instructor-led courses.
Maintenance Tips for Maximum Uptime Series: Mining Truck
To prevent unexpected maintenance on your Mining Truck, it’s essential to follow proper operating procedures. By utilizing the truck correctly and performing a pre-operation machine walkaround inspection at the start of each shift, haul trucks will have a longer production lifespan. Conducting regular maintenance checks, along with these practices, will help maximize uptime for your Mining Truck.
Cat® Simulators provide a virtual environment where operators can learn how to conduct machine inspections and perform various applications using authentic Cat® controls. Operators who learn correct techniques before moving to the iron can help organizations save costs throughout the machine’s life.
To see more Mining Truck maintenance tips and learn about Cat Simulators, visit catsimulators.com.
Canada Heavy Equipment Operators in the Workforce Infographic
With more than 31,200 new heavy equipment operator positions expected to be added to the Canadian workforce between 2022 and 2031, proper training will be more critical than ever. By utilizing Cat® Simulators systems for training, Canada’s construction pipeline can be filled with productive and safe operators. Download our free Canada HEOs in the Workforce infographic to learn more about Canadian heavy equipment operators.
Contact us to learn how to add simulators to your training program.
Caterpillar’s 2025 Global Operator Challenge to Feature Cat® Simulators Systems
Caterpillar recently announced the 2025 Global Operator Challenge, a competition where operators worldwide will showcase their skills using construction equipment. This year, participants will also experience the realistic simulation of Backhoe Loaders, Excavators, and Dozers firsthand at participating dealers.
Operators competing on the simulators will be tested on their ability to perform three key tasks: unloading concrete pipes from a flatbed trailer using the Backhoe Loader simulator, backfilling a pre-dug trench to grade with the Dozer simulator and digging a trench to grade with the Excavator simulator.
The on-the-iron competitions will feature at least three different challenges across a minimum of three pieces of equipment. Participants will compete in a series of eight events that assess skills such as maneuverability and balance.
Nine finalists will take part in the final event in March 2026, which will be held at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner will receive either a $10,000 cash prize or an equivalent trip for two to any Caterpillar location worldwide.
Contact your local Cat dealer for event dates! Dealers interested in renting a simulator for the event can fill out a request online.
