Simulation Research & Development

Learning technologies are taking mining skills into the future:

The Mining Industry Skills Centre is implementing a technology strategy that ensures the use of technology within training programs supports skills development and the realisation of learning outcomes.

There are four components to this strategy which has the key outcome of creating partnerships and alliances between technology providers and the resources industry:

1. Research and Development

By understanding the way technology is used in the training practises of other industries (Aerospace, Health, Rail, Homeland Security, Defence) the Mining Industry Skills Centre works with the resources industry to borrow, modify or develop technology according to the sectors requirments.

This research, as well as the use of case studies, helps illustrate the contribution technology makes to the commercial outcome of an industry.

The Mining Industry Skills Centre has partnered with the Central Queensland University on a number of research projects within the Australian Simulator Research Office (ASRO). 

Further, the Mining Industries Skills Centre has partnered with the University of Queensland and The Construction Training Centre to establish a simulator training facility in Salisbury, Brisbane.  

Research, funded by the Australian Research Council Linkage grant, is being undertaken at the training facility to ensure the validity and efficacy of the simulator training program that aims to prepare personnel to work safely in hazardous construction sites. 

Total funding for the study is $765,000.

For more information on the Australian Simulator Research Office or simulator training facility, please contact Deanna Hutchinson on email dhutchinson@miskillscentre.com.au or telephone 07 3872 8500.

2. Learning and Development

To assist in the application of technology and to ensure the technology doesn’t gather dust, the Mining Industry Skills Centre continues to develop a suite of materials and initiatives that are required to embed the technology into training practises.

3. Leadership

Research has indicated that governance structures need to be in place to assist resources industry companies in the acquisition, application and evaluation of technology. 

The Mining Industry Skills Centre manages this responsibility, with the following benefits:

• Provides access to suppliers, technology and products that may not have been accessible previously
  
• Helps companies know what is possible and assists in the purchasing decisions
  
• Allows for communication to be two way, so that technology is designed to better meet the needs of the industry; and
  
• Assists in getting the specific needs of the mining industry onto the agenda of international suppliers

The Skills Centre has representation on a number of forums, including:

• Chair of Mining & Construction Committee, Simulation Industry Association of Australia
  
• Convenor of SIMTECT Conference 2009
  
• Simulation Industry Association of Australia representative on the Standards Australia Committee

4. Development/Innovation

The Mining Industry Skills Centre is committed to working with industry and suppliers and is developing new, or modifying existing, technology based training products specifically for the needs of the resources industry.  The Mining Industry Skills Centre will then make these products available to the industry.

The Mining Industry Skills Centre gratefully acknowledges the support and input from other industries, to assist in the application of simulators within training programs for the resources industry.