CM Labs and Altec Grow Partnership, Announce New Altec-Branded Bucket Truck Simulation Training at Utility Expo 2025

• CM Labs Simulations and Altec have introduced the industry's first Bucket Truck Simulation Training Pack.

• This new training tool is part of Altec's Sentry program and complements existing simulation-based training solutions.

• The training pack offers progressive lessons from basic controls to advanced operational skills, enhancing operator safety and proficiency.

• Both companies will showcase this solution at Utility Expo 2025, emphasizing their ongoing collaboration to support utility workforce development.

The new training solution, which will be on display at Altec’s booth, E331, joins a growing catalog of Altec-branded training tools, including an ultra-realistic digger derrick training pack.

CM Labs Simulations, the leading vendor of simulation-based training solutions, and Altec, a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, and lights and signs markets, today announced the introduction of the industry’s first-ever Bucket Truck Simulation Training Pack. The new equipment training pack, powered by CM Labs and designed for the ultra-realistic replication of Altec’s bucket truck, will be on display at Utility Expo 2025 at Altec’s booth, E331.

The new Altec bucket truck simulation training pack is now part of the Altec Sentry® training program, which helps employers train and certify operators on Altec equipment. The bucket truck joins Altec’s existing catalog of simulation-based training solutions, including the Altec-branded digger derrick simulation training pack, also powered by CM Labs.

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“This new training solution reflects Altec’s commitment to innovation and to working alongside our customers to solve their most pressing challenges. Together with CM Labs, we are delivering practical tools that accelerate skill development and strengthen utility operations,” said Andy Netzel, Senior Program Manager, Altec Sentry.

The Bucket Truck Training Pack underscores the strength of the collaboration between CM Labs and Altec, which continues to expand with the development of new training solutions tailored to the needs of the utility market. Together, the companies are building a comprehensive portfolio of simulation-based tools that not only enhance operator safety and skill development but also provide organizations with flexible, cost-effective training options to meet evolving workforce demands.

"Our collaboration with Altec continues to grow as we share our commitment to supporting the utility industry with innovative and ultra-realistic training solutions,” said Lisa Barbieri, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at CM Labs. “By combining our expertise with Altec’s, as well as drawing on our deep experience working with OEMs, we’re equipping organizations with training tools that accurately reflect real-world operations and address workforce development challenges.”

Featuring Altec’s ISO-Grip controls, the Bucket Truck Training Pack provides a complete training solution for both novice and experienced operators, who will learn a variety of skills in a progressive training curriculum. Trainees begin with foundational lessons, such as how to use the controls, position outriggers, and level the vehicle. From there, they progress to more advanced exercises, including how to safely operate the bucket in tight spaces while avoiding hazards like power lines and other utility equipment. The program also covers specialized skills, such as using the bucket’s jib to lift and place loads with precision, ensuring operators are prepared for real-world challenges.

Operators can run both the digger derrick and the bucket truck training solutions, as well as several non-Altec earthmoving and lifting pieces of heavy equipment, on the Altec Virtual Training Simulator for a complete training system. Organizations can use the all-in-one simulation training system to safely and quickly train their workforces for an entire fleet of equipment. The training pack is available for purchase through Altec. 

Both Altec and CM Labs will be at Utility Expo 2025, taking place October 7–9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees can learn more about the bucket truck by visiting Altec at booth E331. They can also visit CM Labs at booth #S4020 to experience its suite of training solutions for underground and overhead operations, including its newly launched Horizontal Directional Drill Training Pack.