Lincom Group’s newly opened Technical Institute has made it easier than ever for technicians to get the training they need to succeed.
Heavy equipment requires more than just basic knowledge to operate. These multi-tonne machines need experienced operators behind the controls, ready and able to respond to any challenge that presents itself.
But this ability to operate machinery doesn’t come overnight; operators and technicians need years of training to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
That’s where Lincom Group’s new Technical Institute comes in.
Located in Narangba, Queensland, the Technical Institute offers flexible training programs designed to give technicians a complete understanding of their equipment.
“We’ve long had this vision of training customers in their machines, rather than delivering the equipment and expecting them to figure it out as they go along,” said Lincom CEO Stephen Watterson.
“Now, we’re inviting people to come to Queensland and learn about the machines they’re buying. We offer two or three day courses so operators can get a better understanding of their equipment.”
The Technical Institute’s advanced setup is a first for the crushing and screening industry with the space designed to include four important focus areas to give participants the opportunity to engage directly with equipment and tools, providing real-world experience in a controlled, safe environment.
A Cone Crusher Area allows them to explore the inner workings of nodes, PLCs, PDMs, metal detectors and transducers while a Jaw Crusher Area helps them to learn how to navigate the main control panel and safely handle e-stop circuits.
The customised Hydraulics Area enables participants to gain in-depth knowledge of flow and pressure relief testing, PVG valves and critical hydraulic systems, and they can get up close with disassembled hydraulic, electrical and clutch components in the Component Deconstruction Area, ensuring they understand every part of these complex systems.
Stephen said they tailored the Institute to the needs of their customers and if customer feedback is anything to go off, the Training Institute is already a roaring success.
“We start by learning what experience the technicians have, whether they be apprentices or old hats. Once we know their experience and what they would like to learn, we can tailor a complete learning package for their needs.
“When people finish up the course, they always come away knowing something they didn’t know before. I’ve had people with over 10 years’ experience tell me that they understand their machines better than ever.
“The operators that are coming in for training genuinely enjoy it. They’re getting to learn how to do their jobs safer and more effectively while also getting to meet and spend time with other like-minded people.
“We’ve now got apprentices who are years in front of where their experience should be; they’re almost ready to become fitters in their second and third year and that’s because we spent the time to train them properly.”
With such a strong legacy already behind Lincom’s Training Institute, it can be hard to picture what else the company can do to strengthen its offering. But Stephen has some ideas.
“I would love to see customers come to Queensland before their machine gets delivered to go over the fundamentals of it. I don’t want a customer’s first experience with a machine being the day it turns up on site.
“If we prioritise proactive training, we ensure that we keep our customer’s productivity and safety tracking upwards. And at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing.”
