VR Trades Training
Real Skills. Real Careers. Real Futures.
Dunamis VR Trades Training uses immersive virtual reality to give justice-involved youth hands-on experience in skilled trades — before they ever set foot on a job site.
Why Trades? Why VR?
The skilled trades are one of the most accessible pathways to a living wage for young people without a four-year degree. Demand is high, wages are competitive, and industry-recognised certifications open doors that a criminal record often closes.
Virtual reality training allows young people to build real, transferable skills in a safe, controlled environment — reducing the cost and risk of traditional hands-on training while delivering measurably better learning outcomes.
For justice-involved youth, VR trades training is not just a vocational program. It is a confidence builder, a credential earner, and a career launcher.
How It Works
From Headset to Job Site: A Five-Step Progression.
Orientation & Safety
Introduction to the VR environment, workplace safety fundamentals, and OSHA 10 preparation.
Trade Fundamentals
Core skills and knowledge for the chosen trade pathway, delivered through immersive VR simulations.
Practical Application
Applied skills practice in increasingly complex VR scenarios, with instructor feedback and assessment.
Certification Preparation
Targeted preparation for industry-recognised certification exams, with practice assessments and review.
Job Placement Support
Resume development, employer introductions, and ongoing support through the job search and into employment.
Trade Pathways
Six Pathways. One Goal: A Career That Lasts.
Each trade pathway is structured around industry-recognised certifications and real employer demand. Participants can complete one pathway or stack multiple credentials over time.
Electrical
Power the future.
From residential wiring to commercial electrical systems, this pathway prepares participants for entry-level electrical work and NCCER Level 1 certification.
Certifications
- NCCER Core Curriculum
- NCCER Electrical Level 1
Plumbing
Build the infrastructure of daily life.
Residential and commercial plumbing systems, pipe fitting, and water supply — leading to NCCER Plumbing Level 1 certification.
Certifications
- NCCER Core Curriculum
- NCCER Plumbing Level 1
HVAC
Keep the world comfortable.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems — from installation to maintenance — leading to NCCER HVAC Level 1 and EPA 608 preparation.
Certifications
- NCCER HVAC Level 1
- EPA 608 Prep
Construction
Build something that lasts.
General construction skills, site safety, and project fundamentals — leading to OSHA 10 certification and NCCER Core Curriculum.
Certifications
- OSHA 10 Construction
- NCCER Core Curriculum
Carpentry
Craft with precision.
Framing, finishing, and structural carpentry — leading to NCCER Carpentry Level 1 certification and apprenticeship readiness.
Certifications
- NCCER Core Curriculum
- NCCER Carpentry Level 1
Welding
Join the world together.
Structural and fabrication welding fundamentals — leading to AWS D1.1 preparation and entry-level welding employment.
Certifications
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Prep
Certifications
Credentials That Open Doors.
Every certification earned through the programme is industry-recognised, portable, and stackable — meaning participants can build on them over time as their career progresses.
OSHA 10 Construction
OSHA / IACET
The baseline safety credential required by most construction employers.
NCCER Core Curriculum
NCCER
The foundational credential for all NCCER trade pathways.
NCCER Electrical Level 1
NCCER
First-level electrical trade certification, recognised by IBEW and major contractors.
NCCER Plumbing Level 1
NCCER
First-level plumbing trade certification, recognised by UA and major contractors.
NCCER HVAC Level 1
NCCER
First-level HVAC certification, recognised by SMACNA and major contractors.
EPA 608 Prep
EPA
Preparation for the EPA Section 608 certification required for HVAC refrigerant handling.
NCCER Carpentry Level 1
NCCER
First-level carpentry certification, recognised by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and major contractors.
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Prep
AWS
Preparation for the American Welding Society's structural welding qualification — one of the most recognised welding credentials in the industry.
Get Involved
Ready to build a career?
VR Trades Training is available to all young people enrolled in the Dunamis program. Talk to your case manager or make a referral to get started.
Make a ReferralHire certified, job-ready tradespeople.
We are building a pipeline of certified young tradespeople who are motivated, supported, and ready to work. Partner with us to access that pipeline.
Become an Employer PartnerExpand the program's reach.
We are looking for training organisations, unions, and apprenticeship programmes to partner with us on curriculum, certification, and job placement.
Partner With Us