BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BCIT receives $230k from Future Skills Centre to enhance Virtualized Experiential Learning Platform

The rapid adoption of green energy technologies demands a workforce skilled in operating and managing these new systems. To address this need, BCIT, in collaboration with Siemens Canada and with $1,569,460 of funding from Future Skills Centre, initially developed the VELP between 2021 and 2023. This platform offers remote hands-on training, experiential learning through virtualization technologies, and a research platform focused on critical energy infrastructure and its cybersecurity. The VELP allows trainees to interact virtually and in real-time with utility-grade infrastructure, eliminating the need to be in a physical lab.

With this new phase of funding, the VELP project aims to further reduce access barriers to training in green energy infrastructure, specifically targeting remote communities, newcomers, and utility and industry professionals. By enhancing the VELP, this phase seeks to level the playing field for training and promote knowledge equity, thereby facilitating the green energy transition for diverse groups.

The VELP will be compared against market alternatives to evaluate its offerings and features. The project will analyze the needs of remote communities, offering personalized recommendations to ensure the platform aligns with their requirements. Additionally, utility and industry partners will test the VELP for efficiency, reliability, and applicability - contributing valuable feedback for further enhancements. The project will also emphasize knowledge mobilization activities, such as publishing research papers, running pilot sessions, and engaging with partners to share findings and promote best practices.