Virtual Reality Barbecue Inspires Interest in Trade Skill Training Program
After the successful collaboration between the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and Kids At Their Best (KATB) for a Virtual Reality (VR) barbecue event, the community has shown great enthusiasm for the VR program aimed at high school students. The event, held at KATB, invited employers, students, and their families to learn more about the innovative training program.
With funding from a $280,000 RISE grant from the State of Colorado, the VR program is part of the Roots 76 initiative, which brings together investor businesses, school districts, and KATB to support the youth in Morgan County. The program features a Virtual Reality Mobile Lab that travels to schools and other locations, providing hands-on trade skill training.
During the barbecue, two VR stations were set up with a welding training program for participants to experience. MCEDC Executive Director Kristin Clifford-Basil expressed delight at the 35 kids who signed up, along with their families, to explore the possibilities of the VR program.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including Cody Hakes from the automotive industry, who recognized the importance of programs like these in retaining local talent. Hakes expressed his excitement about the prospect of a VR automotive program and the potential for personal participation.
MCEDC Executive Director Kristin Clifford-Basil revealed that seven students had already enrolled in the VR program, and they hoped to see more registrations for the summer program following the barbecue event. While the program has garnered significant interest, Clifford-Basil emphasized the need for employer engagement to bridge the gap between training and job opportunities.
Impressed by the VR training, Monico Carrillo, owner of Inceptions Media and welding professional, praised the program’s ability to simulate realistic scenarios and provide guidance. County Commissioner Gordon Westhoff also lauded the technological advancements and the opportunity the program provides for teaching valuable trade skills to the younger generation.
Diego Rangel, another guest at the event, found the VR training straightforward and believed it would immensely benefit those interested in welding.
For more information on the VR training program and Roots 76, visit the MCEDC website at www.morgancountyinfo.com.
Additional relevant facts:
1. The Roots 76 initiative aims to address the skills gap and provide opportunities for youth in Morgan County through collaborations with investor businesses, school districts, and organizations like Kids At Their Best.
2. The Virtual Reality Mobile Lab travels to schools and other locations to provide hands-on trade skill training, making it accessible to a wider audience.
3. The VR program is not limited to welding training but has the potential to expand into other areas such as automotive.
4. Employer engagement is crucial for the success of the VR program as it helps bridge the gap between training and job opportunities.
5. The VR training program has already enrolled seven students, with hopes for increased registrations for the upcoming summer program.
6. Attendees at the VR barbecue event recognized the value of the program in retaining local talent and teaching valuable trade skills to the younger generation.
7. The VR training was praised for its realistic simulation of scenarios and ability to provide guidance.
8. Diego Rangel, a guest at the event, found the VR training straightforward and believed it would greatly benefit welding enthusiasts.
Key questions and answers:
1. What is the purpose of the Virtual Reality (VR) program?
The purpose of the VR program is to provide hands-on trade skill training to high school students in Morgan County.
2. How is the VR program funded?
The VR program received a $280,000 RISE grant from the State of Colorado.
3. What is the Roots 76 initiative?
The Roots 76 initiative brings together investor businesses, school districts, and organizations like Kids At Their Best to support the youth in Morgan County.
4. How does the Virtual Reality Mobile Lab make the training accessible?
The Virtual Reality Mobile Lab travels to schools and other locations, making the training more accessible to a wider audience.
Key challenges or controversies:
One key challenge associated with the VR program is the need for employer engagement to ensure that the training provided aligns with job opportunities in the local area. This helps bridge the gap between training and employment.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of the VR program include its ability to provide realistic and immersive training experiences, its accessibility through the Mobile Lab, and its potential to teach valuable trade skills. Disadvantages could include the cost of implementing and maintaining the VR equipment and the need for ongoing updates to keep the training program relevant and effective.
Suggested related links:
– MCEDC website: Provides more information on the VR training program and the Roots 76 initiative.
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl