Hands-On Training Designed to Match Real-World Job Demands
Keyano College in Fort McMurray has built one of northern Alberta’s most comprehensive Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training programs—an 8-week, immersive experience that blends classroom learning, simulation-based training and hands-on equipment operation.
“The program initially started with a request from the tribal council. They needed training for their band members. So, we approached the government for funding, which allowed us to purchase the Cat® Simulators systems,” explained Tony Gauthier, Heavy Equipment Operator Program Chair. “Initially, we had the simulators in trailers. Then we moved them into the classroom, and it’s become a great success.”
The program’s five Cat Simulators systems: the Articulated Truck, Motor Grader, Wheel Loader, Dozer and Excavator, give students a safe, controlled environment to learn operating techniques and skills. Each simulator is paired with its corresponding SimScholars® curriculum to reinforce those skills.
“The simulators give students the chance to operate equipment and learn the controls without risking any damage,” said Gauthier. “They also don’t burn fuel, which significantly reduces our carbon footprint, and we avoid all the maintenance and mechanical issues that come with running the real machines.”
Why Simulation Matters
The integration of Cat Simulators with SimScholars is intentional. “SimScholars gets students familiar with components, operating instructions, and so on. Then the simulator gets them hands-on training, without putting them in harm’s way,” explained Michel Theriault, Heavy Equipment Operator instructor. “It’s pretty hard to roll a rock truck and get hurt on a simulator.”
Students begin with a SimScholars pre-test, work through curriculum exercises and quizzes, and complete a post-test before advancing to the simulators. This progression ensures they build knowledge and confidence step by step.
During the first two weeks of the program, students rotate between SimScholars and Cat Simulators, adjusting their schedule based on progress, equipment availability and weather. This flexibility helps students develop a strong theoretical and practical base before moving outdoors.
“After they’ve learned the walkaround inspection, controls familiarization, and exercises in SimScholars and on the simulators, we take them outside and show them how to do the walkaround on the specific piece of equipment that they’re working on,” said Theriault. “Then we set them free in the yard and have them do real jobsite tasks on our equipment.”
Gauthier sees the impact clearly. “When the students go to the field after finishing the simulator portion of the program, they’re a lot more confident. They know the controls,” explained Gauthier. “They know what to expect.”
With simulator experience under their belt, students transition to Keyano’s 40-acre training field, where they operate real machines and complete real-world tasks found on actual jobsites. This staged approach, moving from curriculum to simulation to hands-on operation, creates a safe, supportive environment that builds competence and confidence.
Growing Demand and Strong Industry Feedback
More than 60 graduates have already completed the program and entered Canada’s construction and mining industries with job-ready skills. As demand for skilled operators continues to rise, the program is expanding to meet industry needs.
“The feedback from the companies that have hired our students has been excellent,” added Gauthier. “I’d love to see our trailers with our simulators head to some of the remote mines that require training in the future. The program is definitely growing.”
