Virtual Reality: Schools Press Play on Trades

MIGAS and careers technology company, Work Window, have joined forces to bring the worksite into the classroom through virtual reality.

Billed as the future of career exploration, the VR experiences immerse students, career counsellors and parents into a real workplace to help them make more informed decisions about their futures.

MIGAS National Programs Manager, Raleigh Wallace, said the VR technology enables curious learners the chance to step into the shoes of a Fitter and Turner, Carpenter or Sheetmetal Apprentice as if it’s their first day on the job.

“Imagine walking through a construction site or experiencing a workshop without leaving the classroom," Raleigh said.

“The visuals used in each trade’s VR experience are filmed with Australian companies that actually partner with MIGAS to host, employ and develop apprentices.

“So, while the experience is virtual, the employers and learnings are very much real.”

The first two MIGAS experiences feature iconic food manufacturer, Arnott’s, and Aliweld which services the utility infrastructure sector.

Frustrated by how difficult it was to find the time or contacts to engage with industry to explore career options, and the unengaging traditional career resources available, Cam Martin started Work Window so other students could access the experiences that they actually want.

“VR is the ideal stepping stone to physical career experiences,” Cam said.

“Students can narrow in on their options, work out what they want to do physical work experience in, and build the confidence to take the next steps.”

The VR experience is part of MIGAS’s own careers program delivered in secondary schools.

“Our program is called TradeSelect VR and it’s designed to get kids excited about an apprenticeship,” Raleigh said.

“In our experience, schools are often inundated with university study options – but there’s a whole tribe of young people out there who know a trade is right for them or who might be feeling forced into other tertiary study.”

TradeSelect VR also includes an interactive job interview.

Students have the opportunity to feel the situational pressure of a job interview to help them refine interviewing skills and build confidence in a no risk setting.

“The interview simulation is fantastic,” Raleigh said.

“At MIGAS we see so many school aged applicants who’ve not had the opportunity to experience an interview and their nerves often get the better of them.

“The simulation asks the user to correspond with HR, plan their travel to ensure they arrive on time, pick an outfit, catch the elevator, greet the receptionist, and ultimately sit the interview,” he said.

For School bookings and enquiries email programs@migas.com.au.

View details of other Apprenticeship Programs that MIGAS offers.