Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to offer an immersive learning experience that provides real-life scenarios without requiring you to do anything more than put on a headset. AH’s client partner, NADCA, the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association, recently launched its own VR program during its 30th Annual Meeting & Exposition.
NADCA’s VR experience was developed to give newer technicians in the air duct cleaning industry an opportunity to experience a job site before actually going to a job site—it introduces them to a commercial mechanical room and walks them through the process of identifying components of the system all while wearing the headset and sitting in the comfort of a cushioned-swivel chair.
The VR training will be used in conjunction with the current certification training. NADCA offers two certifications, the Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) and Certified Ventilation Inspector (CVI). The ASCS is the landmark certification (CVI is the more advanced certificate and having your ASCS is a prerequisite).
Currently, NADCA is in the process of finalizing the second VR experience and expect it to be completed by the end of the summer. Both "modules" are geared more to the newer professional in the industry and align with the ASCS training. The plan is to use the VR at their two annual events moving forward, the Annual Meeting & Exposition, and the Fall Technical Conference. The VR will be available for all attendees to try, but it is specifically developed for the ASCS training course which is included as a pre-meeting opportunity for both events.
NADCA also offers custom training events outside of the two annual conferences, and plan to incorporate the VR there as well. A NADCA-certified instructor is sent to a company who would like to hold the training and event at their location for their staff. The instructor spends a full day doing classroom training (PowerPoint presentation) and the following day, the attendees sit for the certification exam. Incorporating the VR into these events will allow the participants to step into the situation and experience aspects of what they learned in the classroom before taking the exam.
NADCA’s VR experience was developed to give newer technicians in the air duct cleaning industry an opportunity to experience a job site before actually going to a job site—it introduces them to a commercial mechanical room and walks them through the process of identifying components of the system all while wearing the headset and sitting in the comfort of a cushioned-swivel chair.
How is your association utilizing innovative technology as a benefit to your members?
