For some the word simulation draws images from The Matrix or other high-minded concepts.
While it wasn’t quite what the 1999 movie depicted, Sunshine Coast residents were learning technical skills from simulated programs, seeing first-hand what it was like to get behind the wheel and operate heavy machinery when The RoadShow came to Tsain-Ko Center on Aug. 21 and 22.
Presented by BC Road Builders, the RoadShow provides insight into what a career as an equipment operator might look like, allowing people to see if they have any interest or aptitude in a field before they decide to pursue it, said Ken Barwich, RoadShow tour lead.
Ranging from snowplows to excavators and everything in between, the trailer is full of interchangeable equipment allows each machine to simulate various types of machinery.
Barwich said trying out the different simulators to see what machine suits each best is akin to sampling ice cream flavours, adding that the RoadShow hosts 15 different simulators but generally sticks to entry-level machines to cater to the most amount of people.
He said this is also reflective of how the industry works, how as skills and confidence improve, opportunities arise to work up to different machines.
Barwich said the tour has gone all around the province, working with different community groups, schools and local First Nations, with as many as 50,000 people coming through at some locations.
While they don’t know quite when yet, when the RoadShow will return to the Coast, Pitcairn said their upcoming location can be found on their website.
Matt Pitcairn, vice president of the BC Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association said the RoadShow is designed to “get in front” of challenges every industry is facing such as shortage of employees and a wave of retirement on the horizon.
He said they try to put highway maintenance and road building front and centre on the workers of the future’s minds.
While the RoadShow does not do any training, Pitcairn said their website has a career portal, which acts as their bridge for people who want to learn more and is a region-based database that shows career opportunities throughout the province.
Pitcairn explained the RoadShow was made possible through a grant, funded by the Ministry of Social Services and Poverty Reduction, and allowing it to run for three years.
He said most of the first year centred on purchasing equipment and assembling the trailer. Six months into their second year, Pitcairn said the response from the public has been “phenomenal.”
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
