How Simulation Expanded Capacity and Improved Safety in Heavy Equipment Education at Alfred State College

Abstract:

Limited access to equipment and ensuring apprentice safety remain two of the most persistent challenges facing vocational institutions, and the Heavy Equipment Operation course at Alfred State was no exception. While the program itself was thriving, instructors struggled to provide every student with sufficient hands-on time on live equipment. This webinar will examine Alfred State College’s decision-making process, implementation considerations, and resulting outcomes, providing a real-world example of how simulation can complement hands-on equipment training in vocational education. Join Jeffrey Stevens, dean of the School of Applied Technologies at Alfred State College, and Alan Limoges, manager of Product Growth at CM Labs, as they share how simulation-based training evolved from concept to impact, reducing training time by up to 30%, expanding institutional capacity, and giving students more opportunities to practice safely and effectively. Key takeaways: -Key considerations Alfred State College evaluated when integrating simulation into its curriculum -Why simulation has proven effective in improving safety, capacity, and training outcomes -How heavy equipment vocational programs can apply a similar approach to support student engagement and jobsite readiness Original webinar date: February 19, 2026 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/G2GKJidO72c Webinar resource link: https://hubs.la/Q041p3XW0