Led by Christoff, Queensland’s MISC is currently in the process of establishing an effective simulator program that will best meet the industry’s needs.

In July this year, the centre bought 26 state-of-the-art mining simulators to be used in pre-employment, operator upskilling and refresher training programs.

Since then, Christoff said they had been researching where the simulators should be based to best serve the Queensland mining industry.

The simulators purchased by MISC allow users to virtually experience underground mining techniques such as roof bolting, longwall mining and continuous mining, which is a simulator first and unique to the 5DT equipment.

Christoff said the rapid growth experienced by the mining industry over recent years has meant it is a challenging environment to work in.

“Using simulation-based training means that trainees can obtain experience in operating equipment in wet weather, in dark/night conditions, and also some of the risks associated with operating machinery such as tyre fires, which is extremely dangerous for the equipment operator and cannot be replicated in a ‘traditional’ training situation.”

Simulator training teaches inexperienced industry employees how to respond to “what-if” situations in a realistic and facilitated learning environment.

“To ensure we are keeping abreast of trends and developments, we are continually monitoring advances in simulation technology. For example, the Mining Industry Skills Centre is taking part in the 2007 SimTecT Conference, which is Australasia's premier simulation and training technologies conference and exhibition,” Christoff said.

Christoff began working at the centre only this month and said she is looking forward to establishing a program that will not only provide realistic training experience to industry employees, but will also directly contribute to reducing the skills shortage in the Queensland mining industry.