Learning to drive is a skill that requires training. . . lots of training. And many kids are not able to get behind the wheel of a car to learn much less practice hazard avoidance techniques. Moreover, driving is necessary – by most people – to get to/from work every day. While most of us take it for granted, it’s a life skill that is needed by all.
Job Corps is a federally-funded program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free-of-charge education and vocational training to young men and women ages 16 to 24. By providing academic and career skills training, they are able to prepare students for success in every aspect of their lives. In fact, 80% of Job Corps graduates enter the workforce, join the military, or go on to higher education or an apprenticeship after graduation. Job Corps are committed to providing their students with ‘success that lasts a lifetime’ – and it is nowhere more evident than in the San Diego Job Corps center.
Realizing the importance of driver education, San Diego Job Corps purchased VDI’s three-screen full cab simulator (LX3) with the latest Virtual Driving Essentials driver training program. They used VDI’s GSA contract (GS-02F-0122W) and they were able to easily purchase what they needed as well as achieve the most cost effective price. By adding simulation to their existing classroom and behind-the-wheel curriculum, they are now able to successfully train a large volume of students to get their driver’s license and attain a higher level of employability.
“Job Corps students from all walks of life have benefited from the safe, inclusive and real life driving situations that Virtual Driver Interactive provides,” said Bonita V. Mason – Drivers Ed. Specialist at San Diego Job Corps. “Students are ready to face behind the wheel in real time once they complete the required lessons. Safety, reaction times, road conditions, traffic and unpredictable occurrences are all addressed in comfortable, controlled and safe settings. Virtual Driver Interactive allows each of our students to apply that knowledge and have more confident experiences once they are ready for the road.”
by Pam LeFevre, VP of Marketing – VDI