Learning the Management Basics and Operating Cat® Machines for the First Time

In this article, I want to share my unforgettable experience of operating the Cat 320 Excavator and Backhoe Loader 422F. I gained this experience through the Learning and Development Department's organization of the Caterpillar Machine Basic Operating School in Karaganda for all the wonderful women of the company.

The training initiative was rooted in the company's significant emphasis on gender equality. Although many women in our company are directly involved with Caterpillar machinery due to the nature of our work, not all of us had the chance to independently operate this equipment. Our main goal was to encourage as many women as possible to handle this machinery. Despite the considerable interest from our colleagues, it was decided that the training would initially involve female employees. In the long run, our department plans to expand the training to include male employees within the company as well.

My story began with a short theoretical training session where the instructor gave me a brief overview of the functions and controls of these machines. My heart raced when I first sat in the machine's cabin, gripping the steering wheel and control levers. My first emotion was fear, even though the instructor was always there to give me full control over the driving process.

But afterward, I was able to overcome my emotions and continued to drive the Backhoe Loader 422F on my own. Operating this machine didn't require significant effort, since all Caterpillar machinery is designed so that women can easily manage.

I also had the unique opportunity to operate the Cat 320 Excavator. Watching an operator from the outside might make it seem easy, but the experience of handling this machinery is a whole different set of emotions. When I first lifted the bucket to scoop up a pile of soil, the sensations were even more incredible. The efficiency and power of this machine are truly impressive. The sense of control over the bucket and the ability to handle large volumes of material were mesmerizing.

During my first attempt at operating this powerful machine, I couldn't help but smile. It felt like a long-awaited childhood dream finally coming true. I felt like a real builder, ready to change the world around me.

After this training, I was left with a lot of impressions and inspiration. Operating Caterpillar machinery was not only exciting but also allowed me to see how important and interesting machines can be in the construction, road, and mining industry. This experience has left a vivid mark in my memory, and I hope that in the future, I'll have many more opportunities to operate such equipment and relive these amazing moments again and again.

Elmira Mussina

Hello, my name is Elmira Mussina, and I've been holding the position of HSE Engineer in the Global Learning and Development Department at Borusan Cat Kazakhstan since March 2023. My main task is to organize employee trainings. Despite my busy schedule, I always strive to maintain a balance. Friends and colleagues often describe me as an active person, sometimes surprised by my energy and endurance. My life is filled with various activities, and I try to make the most of every opportunity for an active lifestyle.