On February 10, 2026, Vegas PBS showed off its latest development in workforce education: Virtual Reality learning.
In front of a group representing government bodies, trade associations and workforce development organizations, Vegas PBS unveiled its new virtual reality (VR) learning labs where, using the Meta Quest 3 system, students enter a virtual production floor and are guided through hands-on practice with power tools and industrial equipment.
In a live demonstration, Vegas PBS Media Communications Specialist Eric Duran-Valle donned a VR headset and controllers to show how one VR lab walks students through the set-up of a shielded metal arc welding circuit. Then, using the controllers to simulate an electrode, Duran-Valle welded a simple T-joint. Afterwards, attendees were given the opportunity to try out the VR welding lab for themselves, along with a power tool lab and spray painting lab.
“Just like how pilots use flight simulators, virtual reality is just one component of a larger curriculum,” said Workforce Training and Economic Development Director Debra Solt.
Students will learn the fundamental concepts for the career they are pursuing through the didactic online modules and then put it to practice through the VR lab.
“We’re very excited to add these virtual labs to our catalog of over 400 career programs,” Solt continued, “and we look forward to those students joining the close to one million workforce students Vegas PBS has served.”
ed2go Channel Marketing & Communications Director Veronica Andrews, speaking after Solt, went into detail about how VR labs will help make the trades more accessible to those with demanding schedules or restricted by the prohibitive costs. So long as they have the space in their home to safely use the VR headset, aspiring students can get a headstart on practical application of their education.
Solt closed her remarks by making a connection to one of VR’s other major applications, video games: “According to a study done by the Entertainment Software Association, 60% of U.S. adults say they play video games at least once a week. When you look at Generation Alpha, that’s people ages 5-12, that number goes up to 83%.
“This is the language that the next generation is speaking.”
Those interested in learning more about the career programs and Lifelong Learning courses provided by Vegas PBS can call 702.799.0031 or email onlineeducation@vegaspbs.org for more information.
