Bechtel and Industrial Training International (ITI) are collaborating to expand the scope of the ITI’s virtual reality (VR) crane simulator on the market. The collaboration will use Bechtel’s expertise in rigging, safety, and crane operation and ITI’s extensive VR and craft training experience to expand the training module library of crane types and assessments endorsed by the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
Zack Parnell, CEO of ITI, said he is humbled by the people at Bechtel. “They think big. They are incredibly innovative, and they solve problems in unique ways,” he said. “Additionally, Bechtel’s desire to commit resources to improving safety and workforce development across all industries is inspiring.”
The collaboration between the two companies started in 2016 with Bechtel subject-matter experts contributing to the development of ITI’s VR mobile crane simulator project aimed at increasing the quality and cost of craft training through immersive user experience and use of gaming hardware. Using new technologies and input from industry experts, the training improves in-depth real-life scenarios used for training, thus improving operator readiness and safety on site. As part of the collaboration, Bechtel will also expand its subscription to ITI’s training program, which the company uses in its workforce development programs on construction sites across the world.
