NSWMA to Partner with MPRI to Offer Simulator-Based Training to Solid Waste Drivers
The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with MPRI, an L-3 Company in Alexandria, Virginia, to offer simulator-based training to solid waste drivers. The simulator-based training is an innovative way to provide real-world training to drivers in the solid waste industry.
NSWMA and MPRI offered simulator-based training in 12 locations in the United States in March 2008, under a grant awarded by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). NSWMA and MPRI trained nearly 350 drivers during the March 2008 training program.
According to NSWMA’s General Counsel David Biderman, “The feedback we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and many companies and local governments have inquired about the availability of simulator-based training for all of their drivers. This partnership reflects NSWMA’s effort to respond to that demand and provide innovative and cutting edge training to solid waste employees throughout the United States.” Biderman added that at many locations, NSWMA received many more trainee applications than were available under the grant program.
The March 2008 training was 2 hours in length and included decision making, space management and backing. Each driver performed four simulations as part of the course. “We worked closely with NSWMA to customize our simulator for the most realistic waste management experience available anywhere,” said Dick Gerding, senior vice president, MPRI. “By selecting MPRI, NSWMA will provide the most advanced driver training to its members, establishing them as a leader not only in training but also as an early adopter of world-class technology. We are excited to be a part of that success.”
NSWMA and MPRI will be providing an educational session at Waste Expo on the benefits of simulator-based driver training. The session will take place on Tuesday, May 6, from 1:45-3:00 pm. MPRI recently joined the Waste Equipment Technology Association (WASTEC) and will be exhibiting at Waste Expo in Chicago in May.
The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) – a sub-association of the Environmental Industry Associations – represents for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA members conduct business in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.nswma.org.
