Caterpillar® dealer WesTrac has announced that construction of new facilities at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, Western Australia, will be complete by November, offering further training opportunities.
Speaking during a visit to the facility by the Premier of Western Australia, WesTrac CEO, Jarvas Croome, said the State Government supported the project by providing A$1 million ($672,764) from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.
“It is fantastic to have Hon Roger Cook MLA at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre to see the progress we have made with our expansion of this state-of-the-art facility,” Croome said.
“As the only autonomous training centre in the Southern Hemisphere, our centre offers industry-leading practical training on machines like the Cat® 789D Autonomous Haul Truck in a safe, controlled, and authentic environment. Demand for our world-class training has skyrocketed as mining and construction companies look to educate the next generation of their workforce.
“The expansion of our facilities will ensure WesTrac can meet this demand, as well as offer new courses and pathways for workers in the resources and civil construction sectors.”
The expansion includes construction of two new buildings, with an additional five new training rooms, a virtual reality room, a remote operating station room, reception and practical labs tailored to deliver training in Cat MineStar Technology.
WesTrac is also in the process of commissioning a new Cat D10 Dozer with remote operating capabilities, allowing students to operate the machine from a classroom located 500 m away or further – replicating a real-world mine site environment.
Croome said the new addition at the centre will replicate the latest technology available on a mine site which is designed to keep operators safe.
“WesTrac and Caterpillar are leading the charge when it comes to delivering world-class training by utilising the latest technology and equipment to provide a second-to-none level of education,” he explained. “Since our centre opened in 2020, we have delivered training to more than 900 people from Australia and overseas, and we expect to see even more come through the door as industry demand increases for technology and electrification experts.
“The WesTrac Technology Training Centre and the team of experts who deliver our world-leading education and training are a beacon for the mining and construction industries as they look towards tech-driven operations of the future.”
Construction of the new facilities was also supported by the Motivation Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing hands-on training and practical experience for young people, as well as securing future employment opportunities.
Croome says the group played a vital role in the expansion performing key earthworks as part of their on-the-job practical training, including developing the new dozer training area and building footings.
He added: “Since commencing in Collie, Motivation Foundation have successfully helped over 50 local young people gain employment. Through our partnership with the Motivation Foundation and this expansion of the WesTrac Technology Training Centre, we hope to ensure this pathway continues for young people continues.”
The WesTrac Technology Training Centre was recently recognised during the WA Training Awards last month, when WesTrac was awarded Large Employer of the Year for its industry-leading approach to education and training.