New AR technology used in DMACC class helping fill talent pipeline for utility workers

Fourteen students will graduate this spring from the 1st digital line mechanic education application at Des Moines Spot Neighborhood College, intended to help build a expertise pipeline for utility providers.

The application, implemented in DMACC’s Electrical Utility Software, is a partnership between MidAmerican Energy Co. and Index AR Options, which formulated the electronic coaching method becoming utilized at DMACC.

The software normally takes augmented reality apps that MidAmerican has been working with in its instruction facility for various many years and puts them in a university classroom for the initially time.

Utility organizations generally demand a a person-year pre-apprenticeship just before a particular person can be accepted into their apprenticeship system, and the digital line mechanic schooling at DMACC satisfies that need.

A demonstration of the technology was held Tuesday at DMACC in Ankeny, wherever college President Rob Denson stated the method is yet another illustration of DMACC’s mission to serve the small business local community.

“We exist mainly because organizations in Central Iowa, No. 1, provide on our advisory committee to explain to us what we have to have to be education, what sort of products to be coaching on, and then they employ our students,” he mentioned.

Denson also explained DMACC is satisfied to be Index AR’s initial higher education lover.

“What a great way to learn. Irrespective of whether it be a digger or a line concern, getting observed it ahead of you truly see it in serious life and have to touch it is extremely crucial,” he reported.

There is area in the system for 32 learners subsequent calendar year and there is now a ready listing, college or university officers mentioned.

Denson dealt with various learners in attendance at the demonstration, telling them they will have a excellent begin on their occupations but encouraging them to proceed their training.

“We’re really thrilled about what you’re likely to be executing, and with a one particular-12 months method you are likely to be out doing very very well in a fairly limited period of time. But I encourage you to all finish your degree,” he said. “The corporations you get the job done for, lots of of them are heading to pay back tuition reimbursement, so take advantage of that possibility and usually be studying, and you are going to be shocked at some level in the long term that supplemental education and learning is likely to be important.”

Chelsea McCracken, vice president of basic safety and education at MidAmerican, claimed the know-how formulated by Index AR is top notch and exclusive to the utility industry.

“We really emphasis on hand-on, on-the-career finding out. And even though this is not replacing that, it is supplemental education product that is actually advantageous,” McCracken said.

The method helps tackle worries the corporation has in attracting talent in the line mechanic software, she reported.

“To have our initially class of college students occur by, conference the occupancy that we were being striving for, and then to supply an possibility for you to get employment with MidAmerican is that whole circle that we’re seriously making an attempt to assist with that talent progress,” McCracken explained to students attending the demonstration, held in the college’s culinary developing in Ankeny. “Creating career awareness in our young folks is definitely where by we have to have to focus our time.”