Training Participants Return to Practicing Excavator Operation

In its mission to produce skilled workers and enhance the quality of human resources, Somatua Training Center (STC) continuously opens opportunities for anyone eager to sharpen their skills and abilities. So far, STC has conducted training for seven intakes. Currently, the seventh intake is underway, focusing on welding and excavator operator programs.

The training program for intake 7 began in October. It has now entered its third week. Participants have already received both theoretical and practical instruction.
Today (Tuesday, 15/11), the excavator operator training participants took part in their sixth field practice session. Prior to this, they were introduced to the basic principles of operating heavy equipment, particularly excavators, during classroom-based theory sessions. In this sixth practical session, the trainees operated the equipment without direct side-by-side supervision.

“This is our sixth time practicing how to operate an excavator. At first, we were guided by an instructor on the techniques of operating the machine. Since the third session, we have been allowed to operate the excavator independently. We’ve been leveling the ground and clearing the area, which was previously uneven terrain. We also feel comfortable with the instructor, who has guided us patiently, helping us to understand more quickly how to operate this heavy equipment properly,” said Febry Souhuwat, one of the excavator operator training participants.
One of the soft skills emphasized by the instructor is building the trainees’ confidence to operate heavy machinery without being overly dependent on the instructor. Mastery of the material, technical ability, and mental readiness are a combination required to operate the equipment calmly and skillfully. After each practice session, the students are evaluated by the instructor. Any mistakes are pointed out so they can be corrected. This approach helps participants understand more easily and avoid repeating the same errors in future practice sessions.