Customer Overview
Industry: Post-Secondary Education / Skilled Trades Training
The customer is a post-secondary institution with a strong focus on skilled trades education. As part of its curriculum, students rotate through multiple technical disciplines, including hands-on training in hydraulics designed to reflect real-world industrial applications.
Industry Insight
Skilled trades programs are under increasing pressure to ensure training reflects real‑world industrial systems. Modern, standardized training equipment helps improve learning outcomes while reducing maintenance burden for instructors.
The Challenge
The institution was relying on aging hydraulic training boards that were no longer reliable, up to date, or well aligned with current industry standards.
These limitations created challenges for both instructors and students, including:
- Inconsistent equipment performance that disrupted learning
- Outdated technology that did not reflect modern industrial hydraulic systems
- Increased instructor time spent on maintenance and workarounds
- Physical constraints within classrooms that limited equipment options
In addition, the project needed to meet strict delivery timelines to ensure institutional funding was not impacted.
The Solution
The Right Partner
Based on trusted relationships, proven engineering capability, and a clear understanding of both industrial requirements and educational environments, Wajax was selected for the project.
Key factors included:
- Application expertise: Wajax’s deep experience in hydraulic systems ensured the training boards reflected real-world industrial practices, not theoretical models.
- Engineering and customization capability: Rather than offering an off-the-shelf product, Wajax engineered a purpose-built solution tailored to curriculum needs, classroom constraints, and long-term reliability.
- Turnkey execution: Wajax managed the project end-to-end, from design and coordination through delivery and commissioning, reducing risk and administrative burden for the institution.
- Local support and long-term partnership: Local branch presence and ongoing industry-education engagement provided confidence in long-term support and continuity.
The Right Product
Wajax engineered and delivered a custom hydraulic training board solution tailored to the institution’s technical and spatial requirements.
The solution included:
- Purpose-built hydraulic training boards designed to support hands-on circuit testing
- Engineering reviews and revisions based on instructor feedback prior to final approval
- Mobile board designs to allow use beyond the classroom, including trade shows and outreach events
- Modern hydraulic components aligned with current industrial standards
Local Wajax branch support was a key differentiator, providing long-term service capability and reinforcing the connection between industry and education. The upgraded system also significantly improved filtration performance and serviceability.
The Impact
The solution strengthened the institution’s ability to deliver effective, hands‑on skills development while reinforcing industry‑education collaboration. The project delivered meaningful benefits for both instructors and students:
- Access to modern, reliable hydraulic training equipment aligned with today’s industrial environments
- Consistent training platforms that improved teaching efficiency and course delivery
- Reduced instructor time spent on maintenance and equipment troubleshooting
- Enhanced student exposure to real‑world hydraulic systems used in industry
LOOKING AHEAD
This project highlights the value of close collaboration between education providers and industry partners. By aligning modern equipment design with real‑world applications, institutions can enhance learning outcomes while preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.