Virtual reality job-training creates career paths for young adults with disabilities

By Adrian Brooks, ’15 and MA ’23, Life Member // College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

One day, Chase Bernard hopes to see his name on the side of a service truck — part of a business he’ll build from the ground up.

Just a few years ago, that vision seemed unattainable.

At 21, Bernard was earning minimum wage working at a fast-food restaurant. The job paid the bills but offered limited opportunities for his future. He knew he was capable of more — he just needed a path forward.   

While searching for that next step, he learned about a pilot project emerging from USF — Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE-VRT). 

The program uses virtual reality to train youth and adults with disabilities in high-demand, high-growth skilled trades. Participants receive training, industry certifications, applied learning experience, job placement and support services, all at no cost.

It was the perfect opportunity for Bernard.

“I was immediately hooked,” he says.

DIVE-VRT is funded through a five-year, $9.9 million U.S. Department of Education grant awarded to Tammy Jorgensen-Smith and Christine Hugh, MS ’18, in the Department of Child and Family Studies. It works in tandem with LAUNCH USF, an established Tampa campus program that prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for employment.

DIVE-VRT is a collaborative effort. USF’s Advanced Visualization Center and VRG Learning Institute provide technical expertise while USF’s Innovative Education is developing a web-based course, so DIVE-VRT can be replicated elsewhere. An advisory group of individuals with disabilities, local business owners and Vocational Rehabilitation representatives lend industry insight.

Bernard joined the first cohort of 15 students in fall 2025. The group focused on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), learning how systems operate and developing industry-level repair skills through virtual reality simulations, while earning three industry-recognized certifications.

After completing the program in March, Bernard was hired as a refrigeration technician trainee with Tampa Kitchen Equipment.

“This program helped my confidence — talking to customers, finding the issue and fixing the system,” he says. “The skills I have gained will help me in the long run.”

As DIVE-VRT prepares to welcome a new cohort in fall 2026, this time focused on building maintenance, Bernard offers advice for incoming participants.

“Show up every day. Have the commitment and the dedication, and you will succeed.”

DIVE-VRT is funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number [H421F240044].