CAMM TechBridge Reinvents Path to Moldmaking Careers Using VR

What is CAMM TechBridge all about?

Nicole Vlanich, Executive Director of CAMM: CAMM TechBridge is an initiative launched in August 2025 by the Canadian Association of Mold Makers (CAMM). It’s designed to grow the next generation of moldmakers and manufacturers by leveraging tools like virtual reality training, building connections with schools and employers, and providing supports that make manufacturing careers more accessible. A big part of our mission is also addressing misconceptions about skilled trades and moldmaking, specifically.

What sparked the idea for this initiative?

Vlanich: The idea really came from hearing the same challenges over and over: labor shortages, difficulty reaching schools and barriers to apprenticeships. Then, talking with my own kids about VR video games sparked the thought — if surgeons can train in VR, why not moldmakers? From there, the concept grew: create a VR simulator to attract youth, build connections with schools and parents and tie it all into Manufacturing Month every October.

Let’s step back — what’s your personal background, and

how did you prepare to take on such a big initiative?

Vlanich: Honestly, I came into this role with no manufacturing background. My degrees are in social sciences, and I previously worked in university collections. There was a steep learning curve. But shop owners and moldmakers welcomed me, answered questions and let me learn. What struck me most was their passion. Whether owners or shopfloor workers, they truly love what they do. That energy motivated me to help them build a sustainable future workforce.

What was your first impression of moldmaking compared to now, four years later?

Vlanich: At first, it was intimidating. My dad was a millwright and tool-and-die tradesman, so I had some familiarity, but I still bought into common myths: that shops were dirty or outdated. Visiting facilities completely changed my perspective. They’re precise, high-tech and spotless. Experiencing that shift firsthand makes me better equipped to help others see the reality of modern moldmaking.

That’s the ultimate goal: ensuring moldmaking has the workforce it needs for the future.

A project of this scale comes with barriers. What were the toughest hurdles and how did you overcome them?

Vlanich: Fear was a big one. CAMM had never taken on something this large and neither had I. Luckily, we had strong partnerships — vendors, board members and industry leaders who contributed expertise. We worked to reduce barriers, like offering childcare support that doesn’t require parents to pay upfront. Listening to companies and tailoring solutions around their real needs was essential.

You’re also pursuing Red Seal designation for moldmaking. Why is that important?

Vlanich: Red Seal designation provides a common standard across Canada. It legitimizes moldmaking as a recognized trade in the eyes of parents, students and employers. With it comes access to provincial support programs, apprentice grants and more. CAMM worked with the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce to move the request through Ontario’s provincial chamber and we’re now at the final stage — waiting on provincial approval. It’s been over a decade of effort, but the finish line is in sight.

Let’s talk VR. How exactly will it transform training for apprentices?

Vlanich: Employers often say new apprentices are so “green” that it takes a long time just to get them comfortable in a shop. VR solves that. Trainees can practice in a safe environment, learning about machines, PPE and workflows without slowing production. We’re starting with three modules — Foundations, CNC Mill and CNC Lathe — and plan to expand into a full suite over time. The training is bite-sized, not weeks long, making it accessible and efficient.

Menu items include:

• Training (for yourself or your staff)
• Financial support
• School visits/presentations
• VR simulator
• Employer looking to connect with potential employees
• An individual looking to connect with employers
• Company interested in hosting and/or sponsoring a TechBridge event

Where does the curriculum come from?

Vlanich: Directly from industry. We convened shop owners, trainers and technical staff to outline the most critical skills to teach first. They gave feedback throughout development and now they’ve tested the modules before launch to ensure accuracy.

Who are your VR partners?

Vlanich: Virtualware is developing the training modules, while Kaliyan VR is creating the simulator. The simulator is youth-focused — it offers a “day in the life of a moldmaker” experience, which is fun and interactive. It sparks interest. From there, students can move into the formal VR training.

CAMM TechBridge engages students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors and employers. How do you keep everyone connected?

Vlanich: By tailoring information to each group. Students see the fun, high-tech side of manufacturing. Parents want assurance that these are safe, viable, well-paying careers. Employers need supports like wage subsidies and training connections. Schools sit in the middle, so we work closely with teachers and guidance counselors — bringing curriculum-linked resources, VR experiences and guest speakers into classrooms. The goal is a “pipeline of connection” that keeps everyone engaged year-round.

Which group has been hardest to reach?

Vlanich: Historically, parents and guidance counselors. But through TechBridge, schools have been very welcoming. Guidance counselors, in particular, appreciate having concrete information to guide students. Parents remain more challenging, which is why Manufacturing Month is so important — it gives them real time to tour shops, talk with employers and understand the opportunities.

You’ve mentioned misconceptions, especially about trades not being “smart” careers. How do you counter that?

Vlanich: That’s a huge issue. Too often, students are told they’re “too smart” for trades. But some of the smartest people I know are tradespeople — including my father. These are skilled, creative, problem-solving careers. Apprentices earn while they learn, graduate with no debt and step into high-demand jobs. Parents and students need to hear that narrative.

Looking five years ahead, what does success look like for CAMM TechBridge?

Vlanich: Success means Manufacturing Month becomes a highlight event — schools and companies reaching out to us to participate. It means a comprehensive VR training suite is widely used. And it means CAMM can confidently say we’ve helped address the skilled labor shortage. That’s the ultimate goal: ensuring moldmaking has the workforce it needs for the future.