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Sept. 23, 2026 – SAINT JOHN, NB: Students at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) will now be able to solve problems atop an approximately 300-foot wind turbine or practice soldering electrical components without ever leaving their classroom. A new virtual reality (VR) lab, made possible through a generous donation from RBC Foundation, is bringing immersive, hands-on experiences to the College’s Saint John campus, preparing learners to contribute directly to high-demand sectors and emerging occupations across New Brunswick.

The new VR Lab creates a safe, engaging, and highly interactive environment that helps students explore real-world scenarios and experience situations that may be difficult or costly to recreate in a traditional classroom.

In collaboration with the School of Engineering Technologies at NBCC, RBC Foundation’s $550,000 donation, first announced in 2024, also supported the development of the Wind & Solar Energy Technician program and curriculum—one of several programs that will directly benefit from the new VR Lab. With the growing demand for technicians in the renewable energy sector, the lab’s innovative technology offers the opportunity to accelerate green skills and contribute to building a strong energy future.

“The VR Lab is about much more than new technology. It is about preparing learners for workplaces where technology is advancing quickly, expectations are changing, and confidence comes from practice. With RBC Foundation’s support, NBCC is helping students develop the skills, judgment, and experience they need before they ever step onto a work site,” said Mary Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NBCC.

Designed to complement NBCC’s hands-on approach to education, the lab uses innovative technology to deliver realistic simulations, allowing learners to practice complex tasks, explore the consequences of high-risk situations, and repeat those experiences as often as needed. All of this takes place within a safe and controlled environment that helps to build confidence and work-place ready skills.

"RBC and NBCC share a deep commitment to helping students succeed and build skills for a thriving future,” said Erica Bastarache, Regional Vice President, Western New Brunswick, RBC. “When we give learners the chance to build real-world skills and confidence before they ever step onto a job site, we are setting them up to help meet the demand for green skills across New Brunswick.”

NBCC emphasizes collaboration across education, industry, and government. RBC Foundation's support, and donors alike, accelerates innovation and ensures the College can deliver training that is aligned with real workforce demand.

“Strong collaborations with organizations like RBC Foundation reflect a shared belief: community investment in education strengthens New Brunswick’s future and Canada’s,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO, NBCC.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
NBCC
Strategic Communications Team
communications@nbcc.ca

ABOUT NBCC:

As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, NBCC drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. NBCC welcomes more than 12,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. NBCC is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: www.nbcc.ca.