Cat Simulators Gear Up to Transform Operator Training at PlantWorx 2025
The countdown has begun for PlantWorx 2025, the UK’s largest live construction exhibition, and Cat® Simulators are set to make a splash. From 23rd to 25th September at the Newark Showground, visitors will be treated to a hands-on glimpse into the future of operator training, as Cat® Simulators unveil their brand-new Excavator Simulator, alongside advanced VR paving and Compact Track Loader (CTL) systems.
Though the new Excavator Simulator is still in development, it’ll make its first public appearance at PlantWorx. Attendees will be the first to try it out, getting an up-close look at how simulation training is reshaping heavy equipment education. With the spotlight shining on high-tech and highly portable solutions, it’s a timely step forward in tackling the construction skills gap.
A New Era for Operator Training
Cat® Simulators have long been at the forefront of immersive training. Built using real Cat® machine controls and developed with input from Caterpillar’s own subject-matter experts, their simulators offer as-close-as-it-gets realism. Now, they’re pushing the boundaries further with a trio of training systems that put portability, precision, and productivity front and centre.
Among the highlights is the VR Paving Simulator, a fully immersive experience that allows users to learn critical asphalt paving and compaction skills. Sporting a compact footprint, the system includes:
- A VR headset and controllers
- Integrated paving simulation software
- Charger and device management tools
- Optional laptop for remote access
It’s designed to deliver practical experience in walkaround inspections, control familiarisation, highway paving with curved paths and manholes, and tried-and-tested compaction techniques. The idea? To give trainees meaningful, measurable skills they can take straight to the jobsite.
Compact Track Loader Training On the Go
The SimLite Compact Track Loader (CTL) Simulator is another eye-catcher on the Cat® stand. Engineered for portability, the tabletop model is ideal for training centres with space constraints or companies operating across multiple locations.
The CTL simulator replicates a wide range of essential jobsite tasks, including:
- Walkaround inspections and machine manoeuvring
- Load and carry operations with bucket or pallet forks
- Finish grading using a box blade or standard bucket
- Concrete pad removal with a jackhammer attachment
- Customised scenarios in Open Training Mode
As with the VR Paving Simulator, the CTL unit includes SimU Campus™ for progress tracking, and the SimScholars™ curriculum—a comprehensive suite of resources covering theory, quizzes, instructor guides, and tests. It’s a full-circle training solution that works just as well in a classroom as it does in a remote training setup.
Why Simulation Training is Gaining Ground
Let’s face it, getting new operators behind the controls of heavy machinery has always come with risk. Simulators like these offer a safe, cost-effective environment to master the basics before stepping onto a real jobsite. They’re also invaluable for seasoned professionals looking to brush up or cross-train.
There’s more to it than just safety, though. As construction firms wrestle with a shortage of skilled labour, simulation-based training is emerging as a powerful tool to onboard workers faster and smarter. It reduces machine wear and fuel use, and slashes insurance risks—not to mention the added environmental benefit.
One training expert put it bluntly: “In today’s climate, simulation isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. The more realistic the experience, the more job-ready our operators become.”
Debuting the Next-Gen Excavator Simulator
The real showstopper, though, is the new Excavator Simulator—a next-gen training unit that blends accuracy, depth, and flexibility. While Cat® Simulators have yet to release technical specs, this model promises to raise the bar.
Visitors will be able to test it themselves at stand PC-01/-02. Whether you’re an instructor, site manager, or just curious about where construction training is headed, it’s a chance to witness a major leap in digital learning tools.
According to the Cat® Simulators team: “This is about much more than just virtual buttons and levers. We’re building intuitive systems that mirror real-world operations, giving users muscle memory, decision-making experience, and confidence.”
Supporting a Global Learning Ecosystem
Every Cat® Simulator is part of a wider ecosystem. These systems support multiple languages, provide 24/7 technical assistance, and come with built-in diagnostics. More than that, they feed into a growing trend of hybrid and remote construction education.
From apprenticeship providers to major contractors, training teams can integrate simulators into broader curricula—either as standalone tools or as part of blended learning programmes. This flexibility is a godsend for organisations trying to scale training across different geographies or skill levels.
As one site manager remarked: “It’s not just about teaching someone how to move dirt. It’s about creating career pathways, improving retention, and ensuring every operator understands the ‘why’ behind what they do.”
See It All at PlantWorx 2025
Cat® Simulators’ showcase at PlantWorx 2025 isn’t just a product demo—it’s a window into the future of construction training. From full VR environments to portable, tabletop precision tools, their lineup reflects the shifting expectations of an industry looking to do more with less.
Whether you’re updating your training tools, preparing to onboard a new team, or simply keeping tabs on innovation, their stand is one to bookmark.
Visit Cat® Simulators at Stand PC-01/-02 at PlantWorx 2025, Newark Showground, 23rd to 25th September.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
In an industry often hamstrung by skills shortages and squeezed budgets, investing in smarter, faster, and safer training just makes sense. Simulation isn’t a shortcut—it’s a smart path forward.
As digital construction technologies continue to evolve, solutions like those from Cat® Simulators will be at the heart of how we teach, train, and transform our future workforce.
