Systems and methods for training an operator. One system includes a computing device including a processing unit and computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores a training simulator application. The training simulator application, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to (i) receive an operating command from the operator, (ii) generate a simulated working environment and a simulated shovel having a simulated dipper, the simulated shovel and the simulated dipper positioned within the simulated working environment based on the operating command, (iii) generate an indicator providing depth-related information to an operator relating to a position of the simulated dipper with respect to a point-of-reference within the simulated working environment, and (iv) output the simulated working environment and the indicator to at least one output device for display to the operator.