EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED SAFETY NIT Alaska’s safety training is as robust as its vocational programs, incorporating advanced technology to create a safer and more efficient learning environment. Crum emphasizes the significance of simulators in their training approach, highlighting their integration into welding, heavy equipment, and truck driving courses. “Using simulators gives students a chance to practice in a controlled environment before they handle real equipment,” he explains. This method reduces risk and helps trainees gain confidence with potentially dangerous machinery.“For some, operating this kind of equipment is entirely new.The simulators provide a critical step in their learning process,” he adds. The rise in young and inexperienced workers entering the trades amplifies the importance of such tools. Crum emphasizes that NIT Alaska is dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance both safety awareness and overall job site safety.“We are attracting youth into the trades at a rate we haven’t seen in decades, but this influx brings a need for new safety measures. We need to find ways to ensure these newcomers are safe and well-prepared,” he says. Another critical aspect of NIT Alaska’s safety training is ensuring contractors and subcontractors adhere to stringent safety procedures on job sites.“The safety checks and balances on job sites are crucial,” Crum notes. “We play an integral role in developing the workforce and ensuring employers are equipped to handle this new generation of workers.” EXPANSION AND INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES NIT Alaska continues to evolve with significant investments in technology and infrastructure, aiming to stay at the forefront of vocational training. Crum discusses their recent initiatives, emphasizing the importance of aligning training equipment with industry standards. “We have invested in more welding and truck driver simulators,” he states, highlighting the importance 149 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 NORTHERN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (NIT ALASKA)
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