Kids learn with Doug the Digger
Children learn about machine safety in a fun environment with Alastair McIntyre and his creation Doug the Digger.
Doug the Digger is a well-travelled orange machine.
The kid-sized mini digger has made appearances in schools and agricultural shows all over the nation.
The founder of Doug the Digger Road Show Alastair McIntyre created the event for two very important purposes.
“I grew up around machines and fell in love with them. But after having my arm crushed by one I wanted to promote safety in the industry.
“I also go around schools talking about the importance of reading and writing before going into the industry.”
The Road Show offers children the chance to learn how to operate a small digger in a safe and controlled environment.
They can also grab a copy of the two Doug the Digger books, written by Alastair that are in libraries all over the country.
The Waikato Digger School based in Cambridge travels with the road show, lending a hand and offering an up-skilling course to college graduates.
Tutor Gerard Burger said the 30-week course helps people get up to speed in the various areas of the industry.
Following the 18 weeks on campus and 12 weeks on site, over 80% of their students gain employment within the industry.
Student Eric Krutzmann said, “We learn to use the machines from loaders to excavators. We cover the basics in the broad spectrum of the industry.”
Along with his books, Alastair has also created a website for kids promoting the values of listen, look and learn!
The free online newsletters, t-shirts, puzzles and heaps of fun activities are at the Doug the Digger website.
