March 19, 2024 – The National Electrical Trade Council unveiled a virtual reality training program that, says NETCO, is “set to revolutionize apprenticeship training across Canada”.

In collaboration with IBEW, NETCO aims to enhance outcomes for approximately 4000 apprentices in the electrical Red Seal trades by incorporating the latest technology and industry best practices.

The program encompasses various modules (with ongoing development) that integrate with the NETCO Learning Management System (LMS), which facilitates outcome tracking, scoring, and addressing training issues for apprentices.

Affiliated IBEW training centres in Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia will be equipped with the training platform.

The platform will also provide advanced training for late-term electrical apprentices through the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), delivered via NETCO in Canada. Additionally, NETCO will collaborate with Sudbury-based NORCAT Industries and subject matter experts to initiate the development of a VR-based electrical instrumentation program.

Among the benefits of learning in a virtual environment are cost savings on consumables and safety, noted Chris Swick, NETCO’s executive director.

The project is funded, in part, by the federal Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (Union Training and Innovation Program: Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream).

“Through this $4.5-million investment [over the next 4.5 years], thousands of Canadians are being supported through the opportunity to become part of the next generation of tradespeople that will sustain our growth as a carbon-neutral economy,” said Hon. Randy Boissonnault.