How to Handle Practical Assessments

Many mining jobs require more than just an interview — you'll need to demonstrate your skills in a practical assessment. Whether it's a simulator test, equipment operation, or on-site trial, knowing what to expect helps you perform at your best.

Here's how to prepare for and pass practical assessments in mining.

Types of Practical Assessments

Simulator Assessments

Many companies use simulators to assess operators before putting them on real equipment:

• Haul truck simulators — Test driving skills, hazard awareness, procedures
• Excavator simulators — Assess digging technique, truck loading, precision
• Dozer simulators — Evaluate pushing, ripping, GPS operation

Equipment Operation Tests

Direct assessment on actual machinery:

• Pre-start inspection — Demonstrate thorough equipment checks
• Basic operations — Show you can safely operate the machine
• Task completion — Complete specific tasks (load trucks, dig to grade, etc.)

On-Site Trials

Some companies offer paid trial shifts:

• Duration — Usually 1-5 shifts
• Assessment — Observed by supervisors on actual work
• Purpose — See how you fit with the team and site

Trade-Specific Assessments

For trades roles:

• Practical trade tests — Demonstrate core trade skills
• Fault finding — Diagnose equipment issues
• Tool knowledge — Show familiarity with tools and procedures

Before the Assessment

Know Your Equipment

• Research the specific equipment you'll be tested on
• Review controls, procedures, and safety systems
• Watch YouTube videos of the equipment in operation
• If possible, practise on similar equipment beforehand

Review Safety Procedures

• Pre-start checks — Know the standard inspection sequence
• Hazard identification — Be ready to spot and report hazards
• Emergency procedures — Know what to do if something goes wrong
• Radio communication — Understand standard calls and protocols

Physical Preparation

• Get good sleep — Fatigue affects performance
• Eat well — Don't assess on an empty stomach
• Arrive early — Give yourself time to settle
• Wear appropriate PPE — Bring your own if you have it

Mental Preparation

• Visualise successful completion of tasks
• Remind yourself of your experience and training
• Accept that some nervousness is normal
• Focus on doing what you know, not impressing anyone

During the Assessment

Simulator Tips

Equipment Operation Tips

• Do a thorough pre-start — Even if they say it's done, do your own check
• Start slow — Get comfortable before increasing speed
• Communicate clearly — Tell the assessor what you're doing and why
• Admit uncertainty — If unsure about something, ask rather than guess
• Focus on smooth operation — Jerky or rushed movements suggest nervousness

Safety First, Always

• Never compromise safety to complete a task faster
• If you see a hazard, stop and address it
• Use three points of contact getting in/out of equipment
• Keep seatbelt on at all times when operating
• Check surroundings before any movement

Common Assessment Tasks

Haul Truck Assessment

• Complete pre-start inspection
• Drive a set course with obstacles
• Reverse and park in a designated area
• Position for loading (spotting at excavator)
• Dump at designated location
• Demonstrate proper shutdown

Excavator Assessment

• Complete pre-start inspection
• Track and position the machine
• Dig a trench to specified dimensions
• Load trucks efficiently and safely
• Demonstrate slew and reach control
• Park and shutdown correctly

Dozer Assessment

• Complete pre-start inspection
• Push material to designated location
• Create a level pad or ramp
• Demonstrate GPS operation (if applicable)
• Ripping (if relevant to role)
• Proper shutdown procedure

On-Site Trials

Trial shifts are essentially extended interviews. Here's how to succeed:

First Impressions

• Arrive early — Show you're reliable
• Be prepared — Correct PPE, documents, lunch
• Positive attitude — Enthusiastic but not over the top
• Listen more than talk — Learn how things work here

During the Trial

• Follow site procedures exactly — Even if different from previous sites
• Ask questions — Shows you're engaged and want to learn
• Offer to help — Be useful beyond your assigned tasks
• Be safe — Don't take shortcuts to impress
• Fit in with the crew — Be friendly, professional, easy to work with

What They're Watching For

• Can you do the job safely and competently?
• Do you follow instructions?
• How do you interact with the team?
• Do you communicate well?
• Would the crew want to work with you?

If You Make a Mistake

Mistakes happen. How you handle them matters more than the mistake itself:

• Stay calm — Don't panic or get flustered
• Acknowledge it — Don't try to hide or blame others
• Correct it safely — Fix the issue properly
• Learn from it — Show you understand what went wrong
• Move on — Don't let one mistake derail your whole assessment

After the Assessment

• Thank the assessor — Professional courtesy
• Ask for feedback — Even if you passed, learn where to improve
• Follow up appropriately — If you don't hear back, one polite check-in is fine
• Reflect on performance — What went well? What would you do differently?

If You Don't Pass

Not passing an assessment isn't the end:

• Ask for specific feedback — Understand exactly what to work on
• Don't take it personally — It's about skills, not your worth
• Practice the weak areas — Get more hours on that equipment
• Try again — Many companies allow re-assessment after a period
• Apply elsewhere — Different site, different opportunity