Snapshot
About the client
TransAlta is a global energy company. In Western Australia, TransAlta Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd operates the Southern Cross Energy network, which supplies power to nickel processing operations in the Goldfields region, including the Mt Keith site. The team includes High Voltage Operators, Regional Control Centre (RCC) Operators and Electrical Engineers, who are responsible for the safe, reliable operation of a complex 132kV and 11kV network.
The Need
The West Network Upgrade Project (WNUP) extended TransAlta’s Mt Keith 132kV network to deliver additional power to nickel recovery operations, adding new transformers, switchrooms, protection systems and SCADA modifications across three site areas. As this new infrastructure was commissioned, TransAlta needed its High Voltage Operators, RCC Operators and Electrical Engineers trained on how it worked and how to operate and respond to it safely, ahead of Go Live. WNUP followed directly on from an earlier, related eLearning module Hungry Minds had delivered for TransAlta’s 132kV network, so the two organisations were already working from an established, trusted relationship.
The learning solution
We built a self-paced eLearning module that translates TransAlta’s detailed engineering documentation, including protection philosophy documents, single line diagrams and logic diagrams, into training that operators can use with confidence. The design is grounded in sound instructional design practice: breaking dense technical content into manageable lessons, pairing diagrams with plain language explanation, and checking understanding as learners progress.
How we designed it
- Built content directly from TransAlta’s own engineering source material, including protection SLDs, logic diagrams, philosophy documents and protection tables for the three site areas, so training matched the as-built network exactly.
- Ran iterative review cycles with TransAlta’s Plant Manager as subject matter expert, refining lessons in response to direct feedback, including adding a dedicated Relay Event Export lesson and inserting transformer alarm points and actions.
- Carried the structure and approach of the earlier 132kV module through to WNUP, so operators experienced a consistent style of training across both programs.
- Placed knowledge checks on the more text heavy, technical lessons only, leaving introductory and diagram led lessons free of testing so assessment matched how learners were actually taking in the content.
- Built an export to Excel function into the knowledge checks, so TransAlta’s learning team can capture and report on individual results.
What we built
- A SCORM 1.2 eLearning module covering protection systems, transformers, switchroom equipment, soft energisation systems and SCADA and alarm information for three site areas, giving operators one consistent reference for the upgraded network.
- Dedicated lessons on protection philosophy and relay logic, including Siemens and SEL protection relays, plus a specific Relay Event Export lesson, so operators have clear guidance for real world fault investigation.
- Transformer alarm and trip setting content, so operators know how to respond correctly when plant alarms are raised.
- Fire and safety systems content, including fire indicator panel behaviours, supporting safe operation of newly commissioned fire suppression systems.
- A PDF companion version of the module, for offline reference and future induction use.
- Knowledge quizzes throughout the module with exportable results, supporting TransAlta’s competency and compliance reporting.
The Outcome
The finished module was rolled out through TransAlta’s Dart LMS to High Voltage Operators, RCC Operators and Electrical Engineers, giving them consistent, easy to access training on the new WNUP infrastructure ahead of Go Live. Feedback from TransAlta was positive throughout development, and the working relationship between TransAlta and Hungry Minds has continued to grow: WNUP was the second of two related eLearning modules delivered for the Mt Keith network, and in mid-2026 TransAlta came back to Hungry Minds to request PDF versions of both programs for ongoing internal use, a good sign of how much value the training continues to provide.
What this means for TransAlta
A strengthened, ongoing partnership with Hungry Minds, built across two related training programs for the Mt Keith network.
Consistent, always available training for a specialist audience of High Voltage Operators, RCC Operators and Electrical Engineers.
A safer, better prepared operator group ahead of new switchrooms, transformers and protection systems going live.
A reusable reference, in both SCORM and PDF form, that TransAlta can call on again as new starters join the team.
