b'EXCELLENCE IN VR INNOVATIONIts a comprehensive learning program thatNORCATtoenhanceourwell-establishedandsafeenvironment.Itstrulyoneofa meets standards set out under the OntarioCERTI-FIREAlarmandProtectionkind and a cut above other fire certification ElectricalCode,OntarioBuildingCode,Certification Program through integration oftraining, and were very proud of it.OntarioFireCodeandUnderwritersvirtual-reality technology and to convert our Laboratories of Canada. It is made up of fourinstruction manuals into electronic format. levelsoftraining,andrecertificationeveryNORCAT is a global leader in skilled labourFAST FACTS:five years is mandatory.traininganddevelopment.Theydevelop You mentioned the involvementMore information on ECAOs of the IBEW and the Ontarioprograms and services to enhance productivityCERTI-FIRE program canMinistry of Labour, Immigration,and safetyreally, a perfect match for ourbe found at certifire.org. Training and Skills DevelopmentCERTI-FIRE program given that a criticalYou may also contactin the programs development.component of the program is practical labVaishnavi Bala, CERTI-FIRE How did they contribute work, which, thanks to NORCAT, is nowProgram Administrator, at to CERTI-FIRE? being delivered through VR. contactus@certifire.org andAproperlydesignedandmaintainedfireWhat benefits do CERTI-FIRE(416) 675-3226 Ext. 8509.alarmandprotectionsystemiscriticaltostudents derive from the addition keeping people and property safe, and theof VR to the program? CERTI-FIRE program is a true joint effortThe advantages of VR for learning such as byECAOandseveraldedicatedmembershigher engagement and better retention ofECAO offers an array of training ofIBEWincludingMichaelArruda,Billmaterial are indisputableVR helps createin addition to the CERTI-FIRE Dodge,GeorgeKardaras,MarkMiller,more meaningful educational experiences. Forprogram. Are there new programs Luis Pires, Tim Spencer and Mark Steane.CERTI-FIRE,NORCATsVRtechnologyand learning resources on the Their field experience, building design andenables electricians to learn within a virtual- way for ECAO members? constructionknow-howprovidedvaluablereality setting, where the interactive featuresECAOs new Learning Centre was launched guidance as ECAO developed CERTI-FIRE,oftheplatformensuretheyacquiretheinSeptemberlastyear.Includedinthe and the result was a training program thatnecessary hands-on experience and efficientlyroll-out were the three subject areas that are issecondtononeinOntariosfirealarmdemonstratetheirskills.DuringtheirVRmost often utilized by our memberslabour certificationarena.AndIdberemissifIsessions, students are joined by our skilledrelations,healthandsafety,andDEI&B, didntalsorecognizeFredBlackwhowasinstructors who check on their progress.among others. We are excited to continue theprimarydriveroftheCERTI-FIREto enhance the Learning Centre as well as program from its inception and remained aCERTI-FIREVRhastransformeddevelop and provide other relevant, timely champion of the program until his passing inconventional professional fire alarm systemtraining opportunities for ECAO members March 2021.trainingandcertificationproceduresandtheiremployees.Weencourageall throughout Ontario, introducing immersivemembers to engage with the Learning Centre FinancialsupportviatheSkillsexperiences that engage learners in a realisticand stay tuned for more!Development Fund for the development and administration of the CERTI-FIRE program from JEPP and, most recently, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has been essential over the 30 years of the programs existence. ECAO is grateful for their continued support so that this vital, accredited program is available to the next generation of electricians.About that international award! Who is NORCAT and what istheir connection to ECAOsCERTI-FIRE program? Asmentionedearlier,continuous improvementisacornerstoneofhowwe work at ECAO, and we are always looking for opportunities to enhance the services we offerparticularly when it comes to keeping people safe. Aspartofthatapproach,in2021we partneredwithNorthernOntario-based Ontario Electrical Contractor27'