The future of jobseeking is making its way to Windsor-Essex classrooms.
On Wednesday morning, Workforce WindsorEssex launched its virtual reality workplace tour program. The program allows students to get a comprehensive first-hand look at workplaces in various industries without ever having to leave the comfort of their home or school.
Students use special virtual reality glasses with their smartphone to watch 360-degree videos that take them on a "tour" of a local greenhouse, hotel, tech company and a construction site. The videos, in addition to several 3D still photos, are available on Workforce WindsorEssex's website.
Workforce WindsorEssex has traditionally done in-person workplace tours for students.
Justin Falconer, senior director of Workforce WindsorEssex, said although physical tours are still important, the addition of virtual tours brings added benefits to young people who are considering their career path.
"They get the chance regardless of the time it takes to travel somewhere, regardless of the costs of travelling, regardless of the time of day, to explore workplaces on their own schedule," he explained. "They get to be immersed in that experience and do their own navigation of these workplaces."
The program is partially funded by the provincial government and according to Falconer, Workforce WindsorEssex has purchased hundreds of virtual reality glasses to donate to local institutions.
"We've purchased 1,000 Google cardboard viewing devices. We plan on basically giving them away to school boards and to employment centres to allow them to use them with their clients," he said. "You can actually view these videos on a desktop, you can view these videos on a phone without the device."
Falconer said the 360-degree videos were relatively inexpensive to produce and added that Workforce WindsorEssex plans to partner with more local companies to create an even bigger library of virtual reality videos and photos.
"It was great to see the students put on the headset and partake in the tours," Falconer said. "The team has been working on this for quite a while."
