Finning Canada Uses Cat® Simulators to Prepare the Next Generation of Operators
As Canada’s construction, mining, and forestry industries continue to expand, the demand for skilled heavy equipment operators has surged. Organizations across the country are searching for effective ways to train new operators, upskill existing operators and maintain productivity while keeping safety and costs in mind. Finning Cat has emerged as a key partner in this effort, helping customers integrate Cat® Simulators systems directly into their training programs.
Over the last several years, Finning has supported numerous clients in adopting simulation-based training, including Keyano College and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 955 (IUOE 955). These organizations represent two very different training environments, one academic and one union-based, yet both share a common goal: preparing operators for real-world work with modern, effective tools.
Simulation Meets Changing Workforce
Geoff Schneider, Product Manager at Finning Canada, sees simulation as a natural evolution in operator training. He explained that the shift toward simulation reflects broader industry changes.
“The industry is changing, and we’re getting a lot of new operators who are very comfortable with technology. So, the simulators allow new operators to enter the industry. They give operators a place to get comfortable with the equipment before they get their hands on the real equipment.”
This shift is especially valuable for institutions like Keyano College, which trains students entering the workforce for the first time, and IUOE 955, which supports both new and experienced operators seeking to refine their skills.
A Tool for Every Stage of Training
Steve Kean, Product Application Specialist at Finning Cat, has seen firsthand how customers are using simulation to strengthen their training pipelines. “I do a lot with our customers’ training departments, training managers and supervisors, and trainers themselves. The feedback’s always been good. A lot of customers find simulators beneficial for time management, for their new hires.”
Kean emphasized that simulators serve a much broader purpose than many people realize. “People look at simulators and say they’re just for new hires; they’re not. They are for new hires. They’re for reevaluations,” noted Kean. “You may spend five years on a piece of equipment. If we get you on a simulator and you have bad habits, we’re going to find them.”
For companies, this is invaluable. Experienced operators can refresh skills and correct unsafe habits without tying up production equipment.
Kean explained that recruiting new operators into the workforce is already challenging, and training them on actual equipment often means parking machines and taking them out of production. Using simulators allows operators to develop essential skills without disrupting operations.
Flexible Deployment and Technical Support
Finning Canada’s support extends well beyond supplying the simulators themselves. The company offers its expertise to help customers smoothly incorporate simulation technology into their training programs.
Schneider emphasized that Finning’s goal is to ensure customers get maximum value from their investment. “We want to help our customers succeed. So rather than a transactional, hands-off approach to delivering a piece of equipment, we want to make sure our customers get the most value out of it,” said Schneider. “The simulators allow us to train the operators and show technology on equipment, and basically give them a platform to get the most productivity from the equipment.”
He noted that many organizations now turn to Finning specifically for simulation-based solutions. “Sometimes we have customers who are only looking for simulators. They are coming to us for solutions. If they tell us they are having trouble finding skilled operators, we can propose Cat Simulators as a solution.”
To meet diverse training needs, Finning offers both fixed- and mobile-deployment options. For customers requiring dedicated on-site training, Finning can provide a simulator that stays installed at their location.
For organizations operating across multiple sites, Finning offers a fully portable solution. By partnering with a trailer provider, Finning can set up a simulator in a custom trailer, creating a mobile training unit that easily moves from site to site. This allows customers with multiple locations to deliver consistent, high-quality training wherever it’s needed.
Dedicated Support from Simformotion
A key advantage of Cat Simulators is the ongoing support provided by Simformotion, the manufacturer behind the technology. Schneider noted that this partnership gives customers confidence that their investment will continue to deliver value long after installation.
“Simformotion is great because they provide 24/7 support,” explained Schneider. “If you have any issues with the simulators, you just pick up the phone, and they can help remotely. We can buy a simulator and know Simformotion will support it.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Operators
As the demand for skilled heavy equipment operators continues to grow across Canada, more organizations are investing in Cat Simulators to enhance safety, lower operational costs, and increase return on investment. Cat Simulators offer a realistic, controlled environment where students can develop essential operating skills before handling actual machinery, helping organizations improve training quality and better prepare operators for real-world situations.
More industries are increasingly relying on data-driven training to demonstrate ROI. Finning Canada’s focus on simulation technology is preparing its customers for long-term success. Supported by forward-thinking organizations like Finning Canada—and backed by Simformotion’s around-the-clock support—Cat Simulators are becoming a key part of modern operator training programs nationwide, contributing to a safer, more prepared, and highly skilled workforce.
