The demand for skilled labor in the construction industry is constant, yet traditional pre-apprenticeship programs often struggle to effectively prepare individuals for the realities of demanding trade apprenticeships. Mike White, Training Director for the Missouri & Kansas Laborers Training Center, understood these challenges acutely.
Mike understood the deep-rooted challenges with conventional training methods:
When Mike encountered Transfr at a trade conference, and after initial discussions, decided to pilot the Construction Laborer pre-employment program.
The pilot program was an intensive 20-hour, two-day immersion focused on foundational construction safety, tool identification, and foundational construction skills. The participants, approximately 16 to 17 students, had limited to no prior construction skills. Mike’s responsibilities included familiarizing students with the VR headsets and online platform, providing hands-on assistance, and managing the pilot experience.
To Mike, the outcomes were immediately clear:
Safe & Engaging Hands-On Experience: Transfr’s VR simulations within the program provided unparalleled, risk-free practical experience with tools and scenarios that directly addressed the safety and logistical challenges of traditional training. “They’re not actually running a jackhammer,” Mike explains, “but through the sim, they can see the jackhammer and get the concept of it down—something that we as trades can’t do at that level in a pre-apprenticeship.”
Enhanced Apprenticeship Readiness: Students now enter apprenticeship programs with a significant “leg up,” possessing a foundational understanding of tools, safety, and concepts gained through interactive simulations. “I think the sims are very critical in this and it sets [participants] apart from others that have not been through this program,” says Mike.
The Transfr program at the Missouri & Kansas Laborers Training Center has yielded tangible results: students are better prepared, more confident, and have a clearer understanding of their chosen trade, leading to higher success rates in apprenticeships.
Mike White and the Missouri & Kansas Laborers Training Center are leading the way in workforce development by embracing innovative technology. Transfr’s Pre-Employment Program provides a critical tool for preparing the next generation of skilled workers, bridging the skills gap, and empowering individuals to find successful and fulfilling careers in the trades. As Mike advises, it’s time for the industry to “embrace the change” when it comes to elevating their training programs.
