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USF Magazine: Virtual reality job-training creates career paths for young adults with disabilities
One day, Chase Bernard hopes to see his name on the side of a service truck — part of a business he’ll build from the ground up.
Just a few years ago, that vision seemed unattainable.
At 21, Bernard was earning minimum wage working at a fast-food restaurant. The job paid the bills but offered limited opportunities for his future. He knew he was capable of more — he just needed a path forward.
While searching for that next step, he learned about a pilot project emerging from USF — Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE-VRT).
The program uses virtual reality to train youth and adults with disabilities in high-demand, high-growth skilled trades. Participants receive training, industry certifications, applied learning experience, job placement and support services, all at no cost.
It was the perfect opportunity for Bernard.
“I was immediately hooked,” he says.
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