VISTA receives award for training excellence

VISTA Training Inc.–a provider of training solutions for those involved in earthmoving, excavating and mining applications–received a Gold Award for Blended Learning from the Canadian Society for Training & Development (CSTD).

VISTA was recognized for its TruckLogic training curriculum, which is used by surface mines to help increase the safety and productivity of their haul truck operators, as part of CSTD’s 2013 Canadian Awards for Training Excellence.

TruckLogic was first used by Suncor Energy at its Millennium Mine near Fort McMurray, Alberta. In a three-month pilot test with new haul truck operators, the training program resulted in a 50 percent drop in incidents and a 4.5 percent increase in productivity, the company says.

VISTA was the only Gold Award winner in the blended learning category. CSTD named eight Silver Award recipients in this category, however.

“We’re honored that our peers have selected TruckLogic as the only Gold Level award winner in Blended Learning, crediting it as one of the best-designed and implemented training programs in Canada,” says Bruce Rabe, CEO, VISTA Training. “It validates our innovative approach to help aid knowledge transfer from the computer lab to in-the-field performance and safety enhancement.”

Blended learning refers to a training program that uses more than one technique integrated into a curriculum designed to improve learning and knowledge retention of adult trainees.

TruckLogic incorporates computer-based training, mining truck simulation software and replica controls, structured on-the-job training activities and a train-the-trainer program to help improve the safety and productivity of mining operations, according to VISTA.