Nash County’s Mobile Trailer Brings Career Training to Rural Students

In a groundbreaking step toward expanding career and technical education (CTE) access, Nash County Public Schools, in partnership with Technical Training Aids (TTA) and featuring SimSpray by VRSim and other simulators, has launched a mobile training trailer that’s changing how students experience skilled trades. “[Nash County] wanted something they can showcase as many different trades as they can in a 25 ft trailer,” said Cameron Alge, Regional Sales Representative for TTA. 

A Solution for an Underserved Community

The initiative began when Nash County Public Schools approached TTA in spring 2024 with funding from a federal grant—but no clear implementation plan. The county, described as a “very rural area, very tough area” and struggling with high crime rates, needed a way to reach youth who might not otherwise be exposed to CTE opportunities.“A lot of students do not have the same opportunities compared to other areas of North Carolina,” Alge explained. “This trailer is a game changer… it can change someone’s life.”

By targeting elementary and middle school students, the mobile trailer introduces skilled trades early—an intentional move to shift mindsets before high school. “[The trailer] will go to all the different elementary schools in the area, all different middle schools… and even expand into surrounding counties,” said Alge. “But the main focus is for elementary and middle school to really get them introduced, at a young age, to what these career paths could be.”

SimSpray: More Than a Tool—A Pathway

Among other industry simulators, SimSpray by VRSim is featured in the trailer for students to experience what a career in painting & coatings could be like. Simspray offers an immersive experience that lets students simulate real-world spray painting tasks in a safe, controlled, and highly engaging environment. It’s not only fun—it’s practical, helping students build familiarity with the processes and techniques used by professional painters in industries ranging from auto repair to industrial coatings.

“This means they will be able to experience and practice career-related skills in a virtual reality or simulated environment to learn more about the career.” – Chad Thompson, Executive Director of CTE and Workforce Development, Nash County Schools

For students with limited exposure to postsecondary education or career pathways, hands-on tools like SimSpray are more than just engaging—they can be transformational.

A Positive Community Response

The trailer’s ribbon-cutting event brought together educators, employers, and community leaders. Guests had the opportunity to try out the simulators themselves—including SimSpray. “All of them were speaking to me on the way out,” Alge shared. “They were like, ‘This is very, very cool. I wish I had this opportunity when I was coming through school.’”

Want to Learn More or See It in Action?

Stay tuned to Nash County Schools’ social media pages to follow the trailer’s journey—and to see SimSpray in action as it helps shape the future of skilled trades. Other area locals who want to learn more about the mobile skills trailer, or how to set up something similar in their school or district can contact TTA, who supports educational programs across North Carolina and other surrounding states. 
To learn more about VRSim’s industry leading simulators for skilled trades, patient care, and emergency services, visit our website or send us an email to request a quote.