Virtual Reality for the Real World

The WasteCap Nebraska Finishing Technologies Certification program uses a mobile training unit developed to instruct members of the surface coating industry using state-of-the-art technology. This hands-on training is vital to assist spray paint technicians in improving their skills. The VirtualPaint™ system designed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center will allow technicians to understand, practice, and become proficient with these techniques without the expense related to traditional paint booth training.

The program offers training

• in partnership with Southeast Community College in Lincoln; and
• to private businesses throughout the state.

Technicians will receive a 5-year certification. The training will follow the Iowa Waste Reduction Center’s STAR4D® military training curriculum with industrial and business modifications provided by Southeast Community College Auto Collision Repair Technology faculty. This certification program will be an option to satisfy the state hazardous air pollutant best available control requirement as well as the recently proposed EPA rule on National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants that mandates training for all surface coating applicators.