GST Michigan Works! partnered with Transfr to augment their work readiness and career exploration programs with virtual reality (VR). Leveraging Transfr’s Pre-Employment Program for Construction Laborers (PEP), and collaborating with Fessler & Bowman, has proven a successful way to prepare participants for jobs in the construction industry. The program achieved a 55% job placement rate, with participants gaining critical skills and confidence. Employers praised the preparedness of graduates, while students valued the supportive, flexible learning environment.
| Stat Box | |
|---|---|
| Date started: April 2024 | Simulations completed: 238 |
| Cohort size: 9 | Main use case: Skills training |
| Groups served: Adults | Industry focus: Construction |
We started with career exploration and training modules, which were very successful. When we were invited to be part of the PEP pilot program, we were very excited. We didn't hesitate.
GST Michigan Works! operates workforce development programs in Michigan’s Genesee, Shiawassee, and Thumb counties designed to help workers and job seekers prepare for, find, and retain employment. The team at GST Michigan Works! also connects job seekers with local employers looking for skilled workers. Their experienced staff of Career Coaches, Employment Specialists, as well as a diverse network of partners, offers a host of education, training, and development resources.
Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works! says that VR appealed to them immediately as an engaging way to help Opportunity Youth and adult learners understand career options. Transfr’s newly-developed PEP helped build on the success of VR at Michigan Works! and give service recipients an effective, efficient way to get started in a well-paying career.
“We started with career exploration and training modules, which were very successful.” explained Jody. “When we were invited to be part of the PEP pilot program, we were very excited. We didn’t hesitate.”
Transfr’s Construction Laborer PEP is a comprehensive 20-hour training program that leverages VR simulations and interactive elearning lessons covering workplace safety, tool recognition, general employability skills, and resume/interview preparation to prepare trainees for construction careers. This hybrid program seamlessly combines immersive VR experiences with interactive tasks and assessments through an elearning platform. The flexibility and portability of the VR technology allowed GST Michigan Works! to deliver training anytime, anywhere — a significant advantage over traditional methods that depend on fixed schedules and classroom settings.
Throughout the PEP, learners undergo a number of assessments to evaluate knowledge acquisition. Successful completion leads to three micro-credentials (Workplace Safety, Hand Tools, and Power Tools) as well as a certificate of completion. They can present these to prospective employers, educational partners, or future training programs as tangible recognition of their new skills and knowledge.
The PEP was deployed as part of GST Michigan Works! Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates programming in partnership with Job Corps. Fessler & Bowman, a local construction company with 60 years of experience in concrete and civil services, and GST Michigan Works! partner, quickly hopped on board and agreed to provide work experience to the youth in the program. Fessler & Bowman is dedicated to workforce development, offering employees opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
The company’s workforce development division includes innovative training tools, such as a mobile equipment simulator designed to engage new talent in the industry. These initiatives dovetailed perfectly with Transfr’s PEP. Jason Blazen, Career Services Manager, highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“This technology enables us to introduce career pathways that students might not have considered. It’s less intimidating and more engaging, helping participants build confidence before stepping onto a job site.”
Upon completing the PEP, all nine participants were placed in a work experience program with Fessler & Bowman, allowing them to apply the skills they had learned and gain valuable exposure to real-world conditions. Participants wowed the Fessler & Bowman team with their preparedness and professionalism.
Andrea Alvarez, Director of Workforce Development, Fessler & Bowman noted that PEP participants were particularly well equipped for the workplace:
“This was the most prepared group of youths we’ve hosted for a work experience. Graduates are very respectful, well prepared, and are doing great on the job.”
This preparedness translated into a 55% job placement rate, with five of the nine participants being offered full-time employment upon completion of the work experience; they were signed directly into Fessler & Bowman’s construction apprenticeship program. Considering that the nine participants were only placed at Fessler & Bowman for work experience, five of them securing employment is an amazing result!
All students gained practical knowledge of construction tools and terminology, preparing them for future professional settings. Instructors praise the PEP’s flexibility, which empowers them to tailor training to individual needs and ensure participants master essential skills. The program also fostered teamwork and peer collaboration among students. Those who grasped concepts quickly often assisted their peers, creating a supportive and productive learning environment. For many participants, the experience instilled a sense of accomplishment and optimism about their future.
GST Michigan Works! is eager to replicate the success of the PEP program and expand its use of VR technology. The organization plans to integrate VR into additional community outreach initiatives and career exploration programs, ensuring more individuals can benefit from these cutting-edge tools.
“This is the future of workforce training,” said Jason. “We’re looking forward to duplicating this success and building even stronger partnerships with local employers. The potential for growth and impact is incredible.”
With Transfr’s VR technology augmenting its programs, GST Michigan Works! has one more tool to use in its mission of empowering students and job seekers, connecting them with meaningful careers, and transforming the workforce development landscape.
“Working for Fessler & Bowman has been a great experience. It aligns with my career goals and provides me with the opportunity to build a better future,” says Zach Hansen, program graduate. “This job has allowed me to get my car and will help me move into an apartment, marking an important step toward my future.”
