Virtual reality of workplaces could "revolutionize" interest in skilled trades: Indigenous consulting firm unveils technology to deliver interactive work experiences.

• Date: 01 January 2019
• Author: Ross, Ian

A northwestern Ontario recruiting firm is entering the virtual reality realm to help steer more Indigenous people into the industrial workforce.

"We're taking the old-school workplace tours and bringing it to the individual," said Paul Giles, co-owner of Origin Recruitment, a Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay-based Indigenous-owned consultancy.

Since starting Origin in 2010, it's been the mission of Giles and his wife, Melissa Hardy-Giles, to increase First Nation participation by matching people's inate skills with industry needs.

With their job-readiness programs and mobile heavy equipment simulators, the company's calling card has been about eliminating the guesswork in the trainee selection process.

In taking a technical and scientific approach to pre-employment screening and evaluation, they assess an individual's aptitude, suitability, and confidence by sorting out and slotting them into potentially rewarding careers that best fit their natural abilities.

From there, they can direct job seekers into employment opportunities, apprenticeship programs, or other levels of training.

"We're trying to...