Much like a tee helps young baseball players, welding simulators can help novice welders develop muscle memory before heading into the welding booth. With its versatility, affordability and portability, Realityworks’ guideWELD® VR welding simulator is a top pick for educators across the country. Teachers use our welding simulator to teach basic welding techniques, test skill levels and refine technical skills for those reentering the workforce… and more!
Keep reading to meet a few of these educators and learn how they’re using Realityworks’ welding simulator in their programs.
Nate Christensen, Apprenticeship Instructor, Union Carpenter and Millwright, Skilled Training Center, MI
Nate uses his welding simulators to reduce the anxiety of new apprentices.
“I use VR to get students started practicing puddle control, manipulation with the Stick or MIG gun, and other fundamentals,” he told us. “When they’re ready and comfortable, I’ll take them into the booth, but by then, they’ve already had that ‘pre-step’ to ease them into it, so anxiety isn’t as high.”
Read Nate’s complete customer story here.
Dan Leinen, Harlan Community High School in Harlan, IA
Dan appreciates his welding simulators as they save his program and school money on consumables.
“For us, it’s not only about technology, but it’s about saving costs. You don’t need to purchase metal and rods and wire, yet it simulates welding. It’s a drop in the bucket when you look at the total, overall scheme of things,” said Leinen. “This is cutting-edge technology, and for a school district to use the same technology that major companies use to train is really exciting.”
Read Dan’s complete customer story here.
John Paulus, Chippewa Valley Technical College Mobile Manufacturing Lab
John travels to various locations across Western Wisconsin to provide middle- and high-school students with manufacturing career exploration opportunities.
“A lot of these kids have never touched a welder or turned a lathe in their life,” said Paulus. “We’re trying to get these kids excited about getting skilled and getting into manufacturing careers. This equipment is enhancing our ability to do that.”
Read John’s complete customer story here.
Todd Varholy and Eddie Squires, J. Harley Bonds Career Center in Greer, SC
These instructors were pleased when classroom competition with welding simulators pushed student Rodian Manjarres to a National SkillsUSA competition.
“We had competitions with the guideWELD VR unit,” said Manjarres. “Everyone was trying to beat each other’s scores and kept taking more turns. Everyone was really excited about it.”
Such competitions encourage users to continue enhancing their form and technique. Students build muscle memory they can reference as they enter the shop to perform real welding. The more students use this training tool, the more developed their welding technique becomes.
Read their complete customer story here.
Kenton Webb, Marana High School Welding Instructor, AZ
Kenton is a former ironworker who’s seen significant increase in welding program enrollment after implementing tools like virtual reality welding simulators.
“Virtual reality really helps with student buy-in… to them, it’s like playing a video game, and they really enjoy that,” said Webb. “Consider tools that will get their attention and that they’ll enjoy using.”
Read Kenton’s complete customer story here, or click to watch our interview with him above.
Jennifer Pambrun, IMESD Regional CTE Coordinator, OR
Jennifer knows that new CTE instructors are not receiving the in-depth welding training they once did. This makes tools like guideWELD VR and its curriculum valuable tools for helping novice instructors teach students the fundamentals of welding.
“New teachers are struggling with their welding skills. They aren’t coming in with confidence. This technology helps give [them] a break. I like how the simulators have the corrective action and the data.” said Pambrun.
Whether you’re new to teaching welding or a seasoned educator, Realityworks’ guideWELD VR welding simulator is a powerful, cost-effective welding education tool to engage more students in welding, teach basic skills and explore potential careers.
Learn more
- If you’re considering an update to your welding program, this is one welding simulator demonstration you need to see.
- Hungry for more information on how to incorporate welding simulators into your classroom? Check out our welding implementation page to learn more.
- Looking for welding curriculum? Here is sample curriculum that comes with guideWELD VR.
Do you have a unique way of using welding simulation? Share your story in the comments!
