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Lincoln Trail College Process Technology students have a new tool to help them prepare for their future careers. The new virtual outside operator program simulates working outside in a facility like a refinery.
Process Technology Instructor Tina Lindley says the simulator is very accurate to what people can expect when they are on the job, especially at a refinery. The simulator has the look and feel of a video game and students can use a video game controller to move around in the simulator and complete tasks.
Lindley says the simulator will be a valuable asset to help students gain the skills they need to prepare for jobs. “It has different modules and different pieces of equipment that might be within the process industry. Before we had this program, we were limited to talking about these things between me and the students. I would tell them what I would have done in that situation. Now they can see it and do it.”
Lindley, who spent her career in the process industry before coming to Lincoln Trail College, says the simulator does a very good job of showing what work is like in a refinery. She says it will also match up with other simulators they currently use in the program.
Lindley believes that with the interface being so similar to a video game, students will be very excited to learn while using it. “I’ve wanted this for a while. I think the students will absolutely be excited about it. Just having the game controller will excite them and I think they’ll be able to pick it up right away.”
She says she sees the new simulator as just a start. She’s hoping to be able to add additional modules to the simulator and over time, Lindley says she’s hoping to be able to add even more hands-on components to the program.
Fall classes at Lincoln Trail College begin August 20 and students still have the opportunity to enroll in the Process Technology program or other classes available at the College. Students interested in taking classes can call LTC at 618-544-8657.
