VRSim, Inc. Helps Union "Train Green"

Online, May 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - EAST HARTFORD, CT (May, 2012) - The Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) of the Mid-Atlantic Region uses virtual reality to train green. "With the assistance of the Department of Labor, the FTI purchased virtual reality simulations that help train skilled tradesman; the VRTEX™ 360 for welding and SimSpray™ for coatings applications." Each system uses immersive simulation to provide realistic training experiences. "Both provide powerful new training methods without creating waste," said Mike Metz, Tri-Green Administrator for FTI. Known for its team-based learning platform, the FTI found that "pairing up students accelerates training time," stated Metz. "Having a younger student, a product of the gaming generation, train side by side with a more seasoned tradesman, produces a 'shared learning session and greatly speeds training time'."

SimSpray and the VRTEX 360 are cost effective, stand-alone mobile training appliances that reinforce the basic skill fundamentals of spray painting and coating and welding, respectively. They are turnkey systems that are portable and effective for classroom use. Trainees can practice in a classroom environment allowing their peers to watch and learn. A core component of both systems is a complex feedback mechanism that helps in teaching basic skills, often collaboratively. The systems allow trainees to do more repetitions in less time without the added costs of materials, consumables, and waste disposal fees. In addition, by eliminating prep and cleanup time a student can complete in 10 minutes an exercise that will take him over 2 hours using traditional methods.

In less than six months, Metz has realized an 8% reduction in material and utility costs since the virtual spray and welding systems have been installed. "We expect to improve on that savings as we develop our virtual learning program further," Metz said.

"We are pleased that the FTI selected our systems," Matthew Wallace, CEO of VRSim. "The FTI has worked with VRSim to help us understand the critical points in their training, and have adapted our system to meet their needs. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them," Wallace said.

The FTI, part of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), offers education and training programs to ensure that their members are the most knowledgeable and accomplished craftsmen in their field. IUPAT members help shape their communities in a variety of ways, leading to the union being recognized as one of the most active in the labor movement. Always at the forefront, the union dates back to the 19th century and has made significant contributions during World War II, as well as the 1960s and 70s with the Civil Rights Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The IUPAT continues to aggressively educate its members, and the public, on workplace safety and new technologies and techniques.

About VRSim, Inc. (www.vrsim.net, www.vrsim.com)

VRSim, Inc. is a rapidly growing technology company headquartered in East Hartford, CT. VRSim creates virtual reality training systems designed to enhance basic skills training for education and research groups, industrial trades, and military and defense organizations. Using technology from the gaming industry, coupled with state of the art tracking systems and graphics rendering, VRSim produces training systems that are easy to use, fully-immersive, and provide a realistic learning environment. VRSim is the power behind training systems including SimWelder™, VRTEX™ 360 and SimSpray™. The U.S. Army, Lincoln Electric, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Northrop Grumman, Northeast State Community College, Finishing Trades Institute, Comex Group, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are some of the prominent organizations using VRSim's products and services.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Bodner; 860-893-0080; [email protected]

© 2012 VRSim, Inc. All rights reserved. SimSpray and SimWelder are trademarks of VRSim, Inc. in the United States and other countries. VRTEX is a trademark of The Lincoln Electric Company in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.