New Partnership in Biotech

 Virtual Apprentice is pleased to announce a partnership with BioTechnical Institute (BTI) to provide immersive (VR) training in basic laboratory skills. The first module being built is for pipetting and will assist with enhancing the hands-on component of BTI’s program. Participants will have a simulated hands-on, immersive experience within the BioSTART and the Laboratory Associates Program. “BTI is excited about this opportunity. Virtual Reality will expand our programming, allowing us to extend our training to more students,” said Dr. Brandy Carter, BTI’s executive director. “We look forward to launching this program in the Spring of 2023.” 

Grounded in adult learning principles, the value of the training is that it allows users to learn at their own pace, replicating real-life lab experiences with much less risk and expense. Real-time feedback, such as competency scoring and haptic feedback, creates an effective, realistic, authentic approach.  This program promotes Biotech career pathways and addresses the current talent shortage in this industry.   Virtual training can also provide more access to underrepresented demographics by eliminating traditional barriers.