Volvo CE organised the first-of-its-kind construction equipment operator competition to equip the operators with the required skill sets.    

In order to highlight the importance of training and skill development in construction equipment operation, Volvo CE has initiated an operator training programme in India. Named Operator Champion, the search for India?s most talented equipment operator has concluded recently in Bengaluru. 

As part of its focus on equipment operation, the company runs a popular Operator Champion contest in countries across the globe. The competition in India concluded with Bheemappa KS from Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company, Karnataka scooping first prize and Narendra Singh from Sandeep Manju & Company, Rajasthan receiving runners up awards. The winner received a cheque for Rs 5 lakh while the runner up received Rs 2 lakh, apart from a trophy.

Presenting the awards to the champions, Dimitrov Krishnan, Vice President and Head, Volvo CE India, said, ?Our Operator Champion programme has received excellent response from the industry. We are celebrating the tremendous value that equipment operators bring to the construction and mining industry. Their role in nation building is to be celebrated. Through this Operator Champion programme, we have connected with many operators and their networks around the country. Our aim has been to make each one of them realise the important role they play, improve their competence and confidence. And to the winners, we hope the prize money will change their life to an extent.?

The Operator Champion final took place between March 14 and 16 at the Volvo CE headquarters in Bengaluru. The three-day event welcomed each of the winners from the nine regional heats, which were staged over the past 18 months.

On the first day of the finals the attendees were recognised for their achievements, thus far and also given VIP tours of the Volvo CE facilities in Peenya and Hosakote. On day two, there was a full day of competition with two rounds scheduled at the Hosakote Customer Center. Each finalist competed in a range of challenges namely ?Pierce the lemons?, ?Put the block in tyres?, ?Fastest Loading of tippers? ? against the clock along with two tests on the Volvo CE simulator ? to test speed, dexterity, logical thought and more. Operators were challenged on both live equipment and simulators, for both excavator and wheel loader operating systems.

For the final day, the operators took part in a further round of competition before reconvening later that day for the announcement of the winners at the closing gala dinner. Some 100 people attended this celebration, including senior leadership from Volvo, government officials, major construction contractors and representatives from Volvo dealerships.

Among the important personalities present at the event included Gaurav Kapoor, Head ? Industry Partnership & CSR at SCC Engagements, National Skill Development Corporation, and HS Mohan, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mohan said, ?Today the biggest challenge is getting the right operator for the right machine. Technology brings in a lot of development and productivity, but we need an operator who understands
the technology.?

Kapoor said, ?We need skilled people and this could be the start point. Volvo has done a good job.?