Simulator gives taste of a career with Higgins

Students were given a taste of a career with Higgins at a recent careers expo in Palmerston North with the chance to jump in the drivers seat of a digger – a digger simulator, a popular and informative addition to the Higgins booth.

The Sort It Careers Expo is an annual event that focuses on showcasing industry, training and, educational pathways in the Manawatu area.

Many employers, training providers, and educators including major New Zealand tertiary institutions, came together under one roof to share a wide array of information on careers.

Targeted primarily at secondary school students, the expo aims to inspire students to careers and give them an understanding of the school subjects and training necessary to get into these careers.

Higgins was again a major sponsor of the 18 May expo held in Palmerston North, which attracted over 4,000 attendees, nearly double the attendance of last year.

Higgins were represented at the event, with an interactive and informative stand, which included information, videos, and staff on hand to answer questions and talk about careers with Higgins.

The star of the stand was the machine simulator, which was a popular addition to the booth.

"The excavator (digger) simulator was a hit with the school children allowing them to experience operating a machine they may otherwise not have the opportunity to. Special thanks to our Higgins operators Rolly and Hayden who assisted the children in learning basics of operation," says LA Maintenance Divisional Manager Rhys Graham.

"There was plenty of interest from both children and teachers in potential opportunities with Higgins in the future both in the operator field and also in other engineering roles. It is important to encourage people of all ages into our industry to identify and develop our potential leaders of the future."