IVRY Technologies Partners with ALLIANCE to Launch Virtual Training

IVRY Technologies, a Division of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Partners with electrical training ALLIANCE to Launch Virtual Training Program as a New Resource for Electrical Apprentices

Virtual reality training now available to electrical apprentices at select JATC training centers

SYCAMORE, Ill - The electrical training ALLIANCE (etA) has partnered with IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., to launch virtual reality training as a learning resource for electrical apprentices at Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) centers across the U.S. The first installment of the Virtual Electrical Training (VET) program allows for immersive learning to develop skills as participants continue their training in the apprenticeship program. The VET experience uses digitally recreated IDEAL tools to teach the user pro-tips of the trade such as wiring and installation techniques, how to use special tools and industry code requirements.

“There is a significant need to create new kinds of training resources for those entering the electrical trades in order to close the ongoing labor shortage and widen the playing field within the industry," said Doug Sanford, Senior Vice President at IDEAL.

The launch of the training module covers some of the topics in the first-year apprentice curriculum. These topics include scenarios covering the installation of a single-pole switch, single pole switch and switched receptacle, two three-way switches controlling a light, controlling a light from three locations, installing a GFCI and more. There are additional modules in development against an extensive content plan designed to support a 5-year program.

“Virtual reality training experiences like this give apprentices a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the real-world experiences they will likely face on the job in a safe and cost-effective way as well as self-evaluate their progress while learning at their own pace,” said Paul Kolenda, Director of New Product Development, R&D.

Both the etA and IDEAL are committed to training the next generation of electrical workers by utilizing advanced technologies to increase the safety and productivity through the use of interactive relevant simulations within a safe environment.

“The launch of the VR program increases student learning and confidence by allowing them to prepare for the jobsite before being physically present on site. These students will have the advantage of, for example, having already wired a set of 3-Way switches and learning from the mistakes made in VR before stepping on site to wire an actual set of 3-Ways,” said Todd Stafford, Executive Director at the electrical training ALLIANCE. “By offering a 360-degree field of view of a typical site the student is immersed into the content in a way that is not otherwise possible. In addition, the inclusion of detailed reporting associated with the VR simulations to the LMS allows both students and instructors to track progress and collaborate on individualized remediation resulting in an even higher degree of retention of the concepts presented in the VR scenarios.”

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About the electrical training ALLIANCE

The electrical training ALLIANCE is a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 (as the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC)) by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The organization is committed to developing and standardizing education in the electrical industry to train members of NECA properly and effectively and the IBEW, providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and skilled workforce possible. Since its inception, more than 325,000 apprentices have completed NJATC training programs and become competent Journeymen, making the organization one of the largest training and apprenticeship programs of its kind. For more information, go to www.electricaltrainingALLIANCE.org.

About NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (NECA)

NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org.

About INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW)

The IBEW is an international labor organization that has trained the most qualified electricians in the trade for more than 117 years. With approximately 725,000 members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Republic of Panama, the IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads, and government. For more information, visit www.ibew.org.

About IVRY TECHNOLOGIES

IVRY Technologies is a Virtual Reality (VR) initiative created by IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., a global leader in premium electrical tools, testers, and wire connectivity. As The Electrician's Champion™, IDEAL has created products and technologies for professional electricians, design engineers and facilities executives for more than 100 years. For more information, visitwww.ivrytechnologies.com.

About IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is a global, diversified family-owned business designing and manufacturing superior products for the electrical, lighting and infrastructure industries. The 105-year-old company was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with customers, employees, partners and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under five generations of family ownership. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT:

Isaiah Neal

Ineal@sccadv.com