International Longwall News spoke with company president Mark Alspaugh about the details of the new educational centre, which the company said will provide classes in both processing and bulk material handling.

“Mining equipment, including bulk material handling systems, are getting more complex all the time as we strive for greater automation as well as reliability,” said Alspaugh.

“As a result, our ability to keep up with technology in order to be able to make sound technical and economic decisions is getting more difficult. Continuing education is critical to our future growth and success as an industry.”

To better prepare those engaging in continuing education, Overland’s training centre offers cutting-edge technology, including virtual interactive scenarios.

“We will have individual computer workstations for each student with full software packages installed so each student will be able to work on real life problems and solutions,” Alspaugh said, adding that students will also have the ability to share ideas with the class by showing their screen on a data projector.

“Also included in the centre will be a library of manufacturers’ published component data and hands-on product samples,” he said.

While the classes will use technology as a learning tool, Alspaugh noted that there is still an advantage to the standard class lecture.

“Although web-based and self-paced CD training packages are growing in popularity in many training fields, real engineering education is still best accomplished in a classroom with interactive instruction.

“Engineering is seldom black and white, and the most effective training technique involves the experience and interaction of teachers and students with diverse backgrounds.”

He added that the methods used in the classes better prepare individuals through critical thinking: “Students are taught to question each step in the decision-making process so they can handle future issues as they arise. Possibly most important of all, our instructors are all practicing engineers who actually walk the walk.”

Overland is also expanding its class offerings with the establishment of the new facility; it will hold a new numerical modelling workshop, Discrete Element Modeling, on October 24-26.

Alspaugh said all courses are now open for registration. For more information, visit www.overlandconveyor.com/training or e-mail workshops@overlandconveyor.com.