Technology for Workforce Development

Debbie Dickinson, CEO of CIS, will participate in a panel discussion about workforce development during a virtual trade show hosted by CM Labs Simulations on April 20.

The free event, April 20 and 21, features multiple sessions, demonstrations, and networking focused on new and emerging construction training technology. Dickinson and fellow panelist Dan Belcher, Director of Strategic Partnerships for NCCER will address “Using Innovative Technology for Workforce Development.”

Dickinson will share CIS’s experience working with an employer to reskill and upskill its workers. The employer needed more qualified crane operators. Rather than recruiting from outside the organization, the company established a long-term plan to recruit from within.

Vortex simulators reduce the amount of seat time required for novice operators to gain the skills necessary to become certified.

“The organization proactively identified forklift or earthmoving equipment operators with an aptitude and interest in becoming crane operators, but needed assistance in executing an efficient way to train these people,” said Dickinson.

The program took place over a period of months. The first phase was intensive online training on safe crane setup, crane functions, crane site safety, and introduction to load charts. This was followed by hands-on sessions with a trainer to provide practical instruction on crane operation. 

The second phase involved using Vortex simulators for ongoing crane operation training. “CM Labs’ Vortex simulators reduce the amount of seat time required for novice operators to gain the skills necessary to become certified,” said Dickinson. Trainees are paired with experienced, certified crane operators to get on-the-job training before testing for accredited certification.

CIS will talk about working with an employer to reskill and upskill its workers.

“The employer’s investment in simulation training paired with a custom training curriculum forms the foundation for ongoing screening and skills assessment, while providing the employer with the tools to continually reskill or upskill its people as needed,” she said. 

To register to attend the Virtual Construction Tradeshow, click here.