Dedicated Heavy Equipment Training Area

Item #: 20260024

CONTACTS

Implementing Organization: Region Two
Implementation Lead: Jake Brown
Development Team:

Jake Brown - Lead

Lisa Wilson - Deputy Director

Craig Keith - Region Two Trainer

Kris Mckinstry - Employee Development

Article Written By: Alex Fisher-Willis
Innovation Council Liaison: Nic Naylor
Innovation Team Coordinator: Winston

STATUS

Implementation Date: October 7, 2025
Adoption Status: Fully Implemented
Adoptability Note: Every region could adopt something similar, even on a smaller scale where only one or two pieces of equipment could be used at a time would provide experience and training in a controlled environment.

APPLIES TO

Topic: Maintenance Practices
Organization(s): Central Admin / Senior Leaders, Central Construction, Central Maintenance / Facilities Management, Employee Development, Equipment Operations, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Risk Management, Structures, Traffic and Safety, Traffic Management Division, Transit and Trails
Job Role(s): Construction Engineer, Executive Leadership, Mechanics / Equipment, Roadway Operations / IMT, Transportation Technician
Tags: Active transportation, highway transportation, public transit, railroad transportation, capital productivity, infrastructure preservation, labor productivity, employee empowerment, job satisfaction, occupational safety, personnel development, turnover, economic benefits, value of life, value of time, inventions, education and training ( employee development ), risk management, insurance, civil engineering, construction, equipment, highway operations, ( traffic operations ), inspection, maintenance, construction safety, traffic safety > highway safety, trucking safety, vehicle safety, front loader, trench, pavement, grader, blade, environmental quality > pollution > air, noise, user benefits

PROBLEM

There has been a gap of heavy equipment training for maintenance and operation employees. There hasn’t been a safe space to learn the operation of heavy equipment in a live environment. Simulators are available for initial training, but they don’t provide the situations that happen when working in the field with real equipment.

CHANGE

Region Two Area Supervisor Jake Brown identified a piece of surplus property off Mountain View Corridor and 5400 South that would most likely not be developed due to access issues. He suggested using that location as an equipment training area. Coupled with some unfortunate equipment-related events, he was able to get support and funding from region and central leadership to move forward. The region maintenance team laid out a plan for designated areas for training different pieces of equipment. Armed with Jake’s vision, Craig Keith, the region trainer, along with several maintenance sheds and Employee Development, coordinated the area preparation. The heavy equipment training area was ready for operation with a ribbon-cutting event in October of 2025. Since then, a storage shed has been constructed to store training materials, smaller equipment, and items for event gatherings.

RESULT

There have only been a handful of equipment training sessions held in the late fall and winter. Many more sessions are anticipated during the spring and summer seasons when the dirt is dryer and equipment that is often used during the winter is available. The training sessions already held have received positive feedback and a higher confidence level in the technicians. Being able to operate equipment in a controlled environment gives techs a better understanding of the equipment capabilities and restrictions, while limiting the distractions of live traffic, utilities, and others in a work zone.

NEXT STEPS

This spring, in partnership with the Cottonwood Transit program, a signal will be installed to help demonstrate new technologies, and help train signal technicians in a controlled environment. Region Two also plans to construct simulations of a concrete bridge deck to train technicians how to inspect, saw cut, clean bar and replace bridge deck sections. The intention is to continue to add to the training area to enhance Trans Tech’s skill sets and expertise.