Open Menu
Close Menu
### ***Step into Innovation. Learn with Immersion***
Revolutionize your training approach with our bespoke, cutting-edge virtual reality applications. Our custom solutions redefine learning experiences, delivering innovative, tailor-made training that resonates with your specific needs. Elevate skill acquisition and engagement through our unique VR solutions, setting a new standard for immersive learning
# Who We Are
Visionary - Diverse - Innovative - Pioneers
Virtual Apprentice is a woman-owned small business with the blended talents of experts from the fields of economic and workforce development and new media creation. Our industry-led training content is grounded in adult learning theory and workforce development principles. Our passion drives us to be solution-oriented, innovative, and creative. We are particularly committed to uplifting the unemployed and underemployed in the workforce – across all demographics – and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their potential.
!
Dr. Ellie Giles, Founder and CEO of Virtual Apprentice, spearheads innovative approaches to professional development. Previously, in her role as Director of Operations at Montgomery Business Development Corporation, she fostered strategic partnerships and steered economic stability. Dr. Giles' leadership skillfully navigates diverse landscapes, harmonizing visions to propel growth and advancement.
# Why Virtual
# Apprentice
---
The team at Virtual Apprentice is committed to staying at the forefront of VR technology. We strive to provide clients with solutions using the latest technology in VR. Our exceptional team is dedicated to surpassing client expectations by diligently fostering business growth. We deeply understand the significance of our applications to your business and aim to ensure our solutions positively impact our customers and their clientele. At Virtual Apprenticewe prioritize collaboration over mere service provision, actively investing in project success and fostering enduring partnerships for the long haul.
Our Services
* !
  ## Education
  Virtual reality revolutionizes education by offering immersive, engaging, and impactful lessons, enhancing learning outcomes, and fostering vital interpersonal skills like empathy and collaboration. Partnering with the Biotechnical Institute - Maryland, our initiative, Virtual Apprentice, presents 'Peirama,' a lab technician training program tailored for all ages. Covering diverse segments like pipette training, cell culture, and trypsinization, this comprehensive course is inclusive. Moreover, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins, we introduce engineering concepts via VR, specifically tailored for autistic students. As we further integrate VR into education, we're eager to partner with you to explore how our expertise can support your educational initiatives
  ## Workforce
  VR proves instrumental in imparting specialized skills crucial in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Workplace VR training not only enhances soft skills but also fosters heightened collaboration. At Virtual Apprentice, our focus lies in crafting tailored applications for employee training across diverse sectors like automotive, healthcare, and construction. One of our innovations, Harmony VR, targets HR training with a DEI focus, sensitizing employees to unconscious biases and offering employers measurable insights into the training's impact. We're excited about partnering with diverse teams to assist in crafting exclusive, customized workplace solutions through Virtual Reality training.
  ## Senior Care
  Studies highlight VR's potential in enhancing cognitive health among older adults. A University of Maryland study demonstrated an 8.8% accuracy boost in new information retention through VR learning. Addressing global senior loneliness challenges, research indicates its adverse impact on health. At Virtual Apprentice, we strive to alleviate some of these obstacles using VR. Our Retreat VR travel app enables seniors to explore diverse destinations virtually. Moreover, we're developing interactive solutions leveraging eye gaze tech to address challenges in senior living. Partnering across senior care sectors, our goal is to enhance senior care solutions worldwide.
Products
AWARDS
  ## NSF INCLUDES
  Virtual Apprentice collaborated with John Hopkins University to secure a grant for researching VR's influence on STEM education specifically tailored for students within the autism spectrum
  ## NSF-SBIR
  Virtual Apprentice received funding from SBIR to spearhead the development of Harmony VR, an innovative HR training tool strategically designed to effectively combat bias within the workplace environment.
  ## AI/TECH + AGING
  Virtual Apprentice was awarded at the a2 Pilot award for Retreat VR a Senior Care tool that focuses on empowering Seniors.
  ## AFWERX Challenge grant
  The Grant was received by Virtual Apprentice to develop US Airforce Cyber transport technician training.
### MEET THE TEAM
#### Joseph Cathey
Chief Technical Officer
#### Aishwarya Balagopal
Creative Technologist
#### Ellie Giles
Founder / Principal
* ## Ellie Giles
  *Founder / Principal*
  With over 30 years of experience in education, workforce development, and economic development, I am the Founder and Principal of Virtual Apprentice, an innovative company that provides immersive VR training experiences for various industries. My mission is to enhance the traditional apprenticeship model and OTJ training with virtual reality, making it more engaging, scalable, affordable, portable, and safe.
* ## Aishwarya (Ash) Balagopal
  *VR Creative Strategist*
  With 12 years of diverse design expertise in spatial design, user experience, lighting, and sustainability, Ash embraces new frontiers, finding a passion for VR design. Proficient in human-centric spatial design, project management, and 3D modeling, she's shaping her future as a VR Creative technologist fueled by perpetual learning and exploration.
* ## Joseph Cathey
  *Chief Technical Officer*
  Joseph, an acclaimed XR developer, educator, and founder of Capitol Interactive, leads groundbreaking projects in crafting immersive experiences. Spearheading Capitol Interactive, he collaborates with diverse clients, employing XR to its fullest potential. With a track record of partnering with various organizations, Joseph specializes in harnessing XR technology for optimal impact.
#### **CONTACT**
info@virtualapprentice.net
301-538-5937
1 Research Ct. #450
Rockville MD 20850
#### **Recent Updates**
Featured
Mar 21, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
Jan 5, 2024
#### **FOLLOW**