A first-of-its-kind truck simulator has been launched in Western Australia.
Fenix Resources launched the world’s first truck driver simulator last week at its Geraldton depot as part of its Kick Start Training Academy for new recruits.
The logistic company’s haulage subsidiary, Fenix-Newhaul, established the simulator to help modernise driver training, respond to driver need for upskilling and maintain a good supply of heavy haulage operators.
It will be used in both of the Academy’s programs – Driver Upskill for an existing local mature workforce, and Youth Traineeship for those 18-20-years-old.
The simulator was made possible through a $250,000 grant, with Fenix-Newhaul among five businesses to share in approximately $700,000 from Western Australia’s Regional Economic Development Grants program.
Kyle Owen McGinn MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, joined the attendees at Fenix-Newhaul’s Kickstart simulator launch.
In recognition of Fenix-Newhaul’s interest in improving heavy vehicle safety in the Midwest, the Kickstart program has also received funding support from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
Mack Trucks Australia Vice President Tom Chapman congratulated the Fenix Resources team on the launch of the truck simulator.
“This will be a fantastic asset for attracting and up-skilling professional truck drivers,” he said.
“Well done on taking such initiative to address the critical professional driver shortage,” added Chapman.