On June 25th and 26th, the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) and the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), thanks to their innovative collaboration with iXplore, a leader in immersive career exploration solutions.
This cutting-edge initiative marked a major milestone in NEIEP’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of elevator mechanics by leveraging iXplore’s expertise in and unique approach to immersive technology.
iXplore Brings the Elevator Industry to Life
Developed in partnership with NEIEP, iXplore’s VR experience is more than a glimpse into the world of elevator construction and modernization—it’s a fully interactive, hands-on career exploration tool. Using iXplore’s proprietary VR technology, participants were transported into immersive scenarios, exploring key aspects of an elevator mechanic’s role:
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Featuring towering frameworks and precision teamwork
MAINTENANCE
Requiring technical problem-solving and safety awareness
MODERNIZATION
Where creativity and technical expertise come together
Xplore designed the experience to not only educate but also inspire. By offering students a chance to engage in realistic environments, the VR program broke down barriers, making the elevator industry more accessible and exciting for young talent.
The Power of Partnership: iXplore and NEIEP
As a trusted partner, iXplore worked closely with NEIEP to create a VR solution that aligns with their mission to recruit a diverse and highly skilled workforce for the IUEC. iXplore’s unique approach—melding applied theatre techniques, gamification, and cutting-edge technology—resulted in an experience that deeply resonated with students at SkillsUSA.
This collaboration also showcased iXplore’s commitment to hand-tracking technology and inclusive design, ensuring the VR program was accessible, engaging, and impactful for a wide range of participants. By leveraging research-driven storytelling and dynamic activities, iXplore helped NEIEP demonstrate the exciting potential of careers in the elevator industry.
Why VR at SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA, a national showcase for career and technical education, provided the ideal platform for the NEIEP VR experience launch. With over 16,000 attendees, the event gave students a unique opportunity to:
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- Immerse themselves in a high-demand trade using iXplore’s innovative VR tools.
- Engage with NEIEP and iXplore facilitators who answered questions and shared insights into career pathways.
- Experience firsthand how VR can turn abstract career concepts into vivid, hands-on learning.
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By partnering with iXplore, NEIEP demonstrated how technology-driven recruitment strategies can inspire and engage the next generation of professionals.
Student Reactions: VR Sparks Career Inspiration
For many students, the NEIEP VR experience was a revelation. Created by iXplore to mimic real-world scenarios, the program gave participants a taste of what it means to be an elevator mechanic. Feedback from students highlighted the excitement and realism of the VR activities, with many sharing how it opened their eyes to a career they had never considered.
Event surveys from SkillsUSA revealed that the NEIEP VR experience, powered by iXplore, was a standout favorite among participants. Scoring 5 points higher in popularity compared to other activities like 3D computer training and hands-on machinery demonstrations, the VR experience captivated students with its immersive, engaging approach. This feedback underscores the unique ability of VR to make career exploration both exciting and memorable, setting a new standard for how students discover technical career pathways.
The Role of iXplore in Shaping the Future
iXplore’s immersive solutions continue to transform the way industries connect with talent. As NEIEP’s VR experience expands to nationwide recruitment events, iXplore will remain a key partner, ensuring the program evolves to meet the needs of students, educators, and employers alike. By creating engaging and inclusive career exploration tools, iXplore is helping industries like NEIEP pave the way for the next generation of skilled workers.