Imagine training employees with a virtual reality, audio-visual headset that puts them on the job, inside a realistic house, with saws buzzing, hammers tapping and birds chirping. That is the concept behind an industry-leading virtual reality training program sponsored by Owens Corning.

The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, the leading HR technology company supporting the construction industry.

Simformotion has introduced Cat Simulators Collaborative Worksite Training, which lets as many as nine users simultaneously operate virtual excavators, dozers and trucks. The program aims to enhance teamwork and efficiency on job sites by letting operators practice without the risk of injury or equipment damage.

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration announced a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship on Sept. 12 to address, among other things, state and local panels on Registered Apprenticeship Initiatives. There will also be a period for public comment.

Werner kicks off 2024 Safety Stand-Down with more than 500 trainings planned nationwide in support of the OSHA Safety Stand-Down initiative. Supporting safety leaders, the training events will help raise awareness about fall hazards to help keeps pros safe on the work site.

National Ladder Safety Month is observed next month, as it is every March. Begun by the American Ladder Safety Institute, the event raises awareness about ladder safety and encourages employers and their workers to engage in annual ladder safety training.

Join Armstrong World Industries live at 11 a.m. ET on Feb. 23 for an Armstrong Training Center On-Air Session to learn about WoodWorks Torsion Spring ceilings. Embrace the warmth of wood and learn about this recently expanded product family offering large-size wood visuals, concealed grids and accessibility.

Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation rolled out the Carlisle PRO Academy, a comprehensive training, education and certification program for spray foam professionals. Developed in direct response to contractor feedback, Carlisle PRO Academy participants can become certified applicators by completing a series of online learning modules and an in-field evaluation.

The Air Barrier Association of America announced the launch of the country’s first-of-its-kind Large Building Whole Building Airtightness Program, which includes both certification and training.

In April 2024, HPIP in-person training will be returning to Dallas. This upcoming workshop will be a two-day dynamic event with classroom instruction, hands-on installation and direct connections to employers. HPIP has the training materials, Job Corps Centers has the employable learners and industry contractors have the jobs to fill.