Simulation has been a feature of training astronauts, pilots and the military for many years and its application has extended to other high reliability organisations such as rail, marine, police, fire, and health.

A more recent entrant to the simulation market is mining with the recognition that both plant operation and safety can be enhanced using virtual and augmented reality. Building and construction's use of simulation is in its infancy and CTC has played a key role in promoting the notion of virtual reality as a means to:

• attract new entrants into Building and Construction careers;
• train workers without the need to place them in potentially hazardous situations;
• reduce the wear and tear on plant caused by inexperienced operators;
• enhance safety and generate a safety culture;
• reduce the level of re-working caused by 'green skin' workers.
  
  

CTC is considering an ambitious plan to create a simulation centre unrivalled in its scope and scale. Prior to this a proof of concept suite has been created on the precinct (in Building 1) in a co-venture with the Mining Industry Skills Centre (MISC). Both Mining and the Building and Construction sectors recognise the need for collaboration with regards to a common workforce in recognition of the fact that:

• many workers move interchangeably between both sectors;
• both sectors are in growth cycles;
• both sectors are critical to the economic growth of the State;
• there are similar training needs in both particularly the advancement of safety; and
• there is the need for a concerted effort in attracting new entrants to these sectors in an increasingly tight labour market.

The 90 square metre purpose-built suite features a range of simulators from 5DT.
They include:

-  785C Truck
-  DIIR Dozer
-  77D Truck
-  992G Wheeled loader
-  Excavator
-  Shovel
-  Dragline
-  Grader
-  Continuous Miner
-  Longwall Shearer, and
-  Roof Bolter

Many of these simulators have application in the building and construction sector, particularly civil construction, an area of significant labour market shortage.
In recognition of the fact that simulation is a relatively new science and a new paradigm in the training of our workforce, CTC has formed a relationship with University of Queensland's Department of Human Movement Studies with the intent of establishing an academic platform for the simulator use.
CTC is interested in collaborating with all simulator manufacturers/software developers and virtual reality simulator companies to establish a centre that would put Queensland at the forefront of the simulation world for building and construction.

As indicated, simulation within our sector is immature, however once embraced it is likely, given the nature of the industry, that its application will quickly exceed some of the more recent adopters of this technology. At present there are a number of simulator providers including:

• Immersive Technologies
• 5DT
• Lander
• Thoroughtec
• SIMLOG
• Global Sim
• ARI World

Another significant player is VR Solutions a Brisbane-based company who focus on immersive environments to heighten the reality of training experiences.

The simulation industry is represented by the Simulation Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) which holds an annual conference SimTect bringing together the latest research and developments in the world of simulation with a variety of local and international key-note speakers.
For more information about SimTect go to www.siaa.asn.au/simtect.html.