Behind every capable machine operator is time spent learning, practising and building experience.
A particular strength of Winslow’s approach is having its own trainers working directly with people in the field, providing hands-on training, upskilling, mentoring and advice to operators and management alike.
At Winslow, Brian, Chris and Richard help employees develop those skills and explore careers in machinery.
Brian, Winslow’s National Group Machine Training Manager, joined the business in 2016 as a Machine Training Coordinator. He brought 18 years of operating experience and 12 years with Caterpillar as a Certified Instructor.
His career began in 1987 operating an 85-tonne mining haul truck. Being paired with new operators early in his mining career sparked his passion for teaching.
“I found that I got a lot of satisfaction out of teaching people how to operate the machines that I love and I ended up making a career out of it,” Brian says.
Today, Brian’s training team includes six trainers across three states: four in Victoria, one in South Australia and one in Queensland. Their work extends well beyond introducing new operators to machinery.
They conduct verifications of competence, mentor operators across machine classes, advise supervisors on machine selection and job planning, and assist with performance testing, maintenance troubleshooting, accident investigations and machine recovery.
Machine Training Coordinator Chris began working with Winslow Infrastructure through a subcontractor in 2017, joining the company in 2018 as a 35-tonne excavator operator. He was invited to join the training team around 18 months ago.
The move into training gave Chris an opportunity to share his practical knowledge with other operators. His approach reflects a straightforward belief: becoming competent takes practice, time and a willingness to learn.
“Certainly, some people take to it more readily than others but the skills to become a rounded and competent operator are obtainable by everyone,” he says.
Machine Training Coordinator Richard joined Winslow Constructors in 2017 as an operator, working across the range of machinery in Winslow's fleet. Eight months later, he was invited to join the training team.
Richard's connection to heavy machinery began when he operated a CAT dozer at a quarry at eight years old. His first job in the earthmoving industry was on a multi-wheel roller before he progressed to other machines.
Throughout his 38-year career as an operator, Richard has helped colleagues build their skills by sharing knowledge that makes operating easier, safer and more productive. Moving into a formal training role allowed him to continue that work across Winslow's project teams.
“Some people are naturals, while others require more in-depth training,” Richard says. “I have always said that if operating machinery is your passion, you are already halfway there.”
Together, Brian, Chris and Richard support practical learning in the field, providing instruction, mentoring, competency verification and advice to project teams.
New operators train on active projects when suitable machinery becomes available. They learn how to complete prestart inspections, understand machine functions, work safely around the equipment and perform basic operating tasks.
As their competence and confidence develop, trainers gradually introduce more challenging work.
Trainees must record at least 150 operating hours in an issued logbook. Once those hours are complete, the training team checks that each trainee can operate safely, follow prestart procedures, maintain the machine and complete tasks assigned by the site foreman. Training continues after an operator receives their ticket.
Richard is proud to pass on the knowledge he has gained during his career and values the opportunity to help others progress.
“The joy of earthmoving is learning all the types of machines that can move the earth,” Richard says. “The best part is that you are constantly learning. I have loved every bit of it.”
However, receiving an operator ticket does not mark the end of the learning process.
“The training never stops, even after operators receive their ticket,” Richard says. “One of the joys of earthmoving is learning about all the different types of machines that can move earth. The best part is that you are constantly learning.”
The machine training team’s responsibilities extend beyond operator development. Its members also assist with workshop and equipment issues, machine recovery, selecting the right machinery for each task and working with manufacturers such as CAT, Case and MTS.
With practical experience, support from the training team and a willingness to learn, employees can take their first steps towards an operating career at Winslow.