Young person in VR headset experiencing immersive trades training

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.

01

Orientation & Safety

Introduction to the VR environment, workplace safety fundamentals, and OSHA 10 preparation.

Level up
02

Trade Fundamentals

Core skills and knowledge for the chosen trade pathway, delivered through immersive VR simulations.

Level up
03

Practical Application

Applied skills practice in increasingly complex VR scenarios, with instructor feedback and assessment.

Level up
04

Certification Preparation

Targeted preparation for industry-recognised certification exams, with practice assessments and review.

Level up
05

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.

High demand

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.

High demand

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.

Very High demand

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.

High demand

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.

High demand

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.

Very High demand

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

For Young People

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 Referral
For Employers

Hire 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 Partner
For Training Partners

Expand 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
Dunamis Diversion Transitional Program

Dunamis Diversion Transitional Program

EIN: Available upon request

"Power From Within. Purpose From the Start."

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

Our Commitment

Dunamis Diversion Transitional Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Contact

Minnesota, United States

info@dunamisdtp.org

(952) 715-5142

© 2026 Dunamis Diversion Transitional Program. All rights reserved.

A Minnesota-based organisation serving justice-involved and foster care youth ages 15–24.

EIN: 42-4309731

Our application for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) is pending with the IRS.