The demand for skilled electrical workers has never been higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrician jobs will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is double the average for all occupations. This growth will mean 73,000 annual job openings for electricians over the next decade.
Promising People is an organization hoping to fill these positions by offering pre-apprentice learning experiences. Unlike a typical classroom setting, learners use a combination of virtual reality and hands-on activities to master the foundational skills needed to be an electrical helper. Nocti Business Solutions came alongside Promising People to develop an end-of-program assessment, making the program the first of its kind to boast certification from an accredited organization.
Promising People’s VR Training Teaches Foundational Electrical Skills
The Electrical Helper Program is designed to equip someone with foundational tools and skills before they arrive on a job site. And it all begins with a virtual reality headset. Each lesson utilizes a 3D video that demonstrates how to use tools or complete a task. Learners see the video from a first-person perspective, almost like a video game. Then, they get a chance to practice what they saw in a virtual reality setting. The program is self-paced, so learners can practice installing an outlet box or wiring a switch until they feel confident with the tools and process. The final step is a hands-on portion where participants take what they learned and apply it in the real world with an instructor.
NBS Certification Validates Skills and Adds Credibility
Promising People developed the program’s 64 lessons and 140 VR simulations to align with industry standards for an electrical helper. But, they knew they needed to go the extra mile to certify that students who completed the program had the skills employers need on the job site.
NBS was exactly the partner Promising People needed. Together, NBS and Promising People developed a competency-based credential that meets rigorous quality standards.
After completing the Electrical Helper program, students earn a VR Completion Certificate and a Hands-On Competency Certificate from NBS. These credentials make it easier for them to find work as electrical helpers or enter apprenticeships because they validate students’ skills.
Pilot Program Takes Training From 8 Months to 15 Days
Promising People ran a pilot program with new hires from Tri-City Electrical Contractors in Florida. The results were nothing short of astounding.
Not only did learners complete roughly eight months of material in just 15 days, but they retained 30-40% more information than those who took a more traditional classroom route.
“Training electrical helpers typically has a high turnover rate,” said Hector Maffia, Director of Learning Content at Promising People. “Most training happens on the job site where it is easy to get overwhelmed by the unfamiliar tools and fast pace. Our program removes those barriers by having students learn foundational skills in a zero-pressure environment. They don’t feel judged for making mistakes and get rewarded for their progress along the way.”
Students appreciated how confident they felt after completing the program. “I feel like I know exactly what needs to be done when I step onto the job site,” said Zach Hamman. “I might not be the fastest yet,” said Nathan Padin, another student, “But I feel confident in my ability to get the job done. And I’ll get it done the right way because I learned the right way.”
The Electrical Helper Program Is Just The Beginning for Promising People
In addition to partnering with trade schools and electrical contractors, Promising People also wants to bring virtual reality training to correctional facilities to provide accessible job training options and lower the recidivism rate in Florida.
Promising People plans to expand its virtual reality training programs and develop more credentials with NBS, including carpentry, culinary arts, hospitality management, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and more.
Looking for Certification Development? NBS Is Here to Help
NBS is proud to partner with organizations like Promising People as they develop innovative solutions for training skilled workers. In addition to certification development, we also offer 170+ technical skills assessments to help employers validate skills and hire skilled workers. Let us know if you have questions or want to know more about how we can help you build a skilled workforce.
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