If there’s one thing Mike Holmes knows, it’s that learning the trades the right way takes time, skill, and hands-on experience. But what if there was a way to train the next generation of builders faster, safer, and smarter? In Episode 1 of Holmes on Homes Podcast Season 5, Mike takes a deep dive into one of the most exciting advancements in skilled trades education: Virtual Reality.
Mike is joined by Sherry Holmes—contractor, TV host, and advocate for women in the trades—alongside Frank Melecca, a high school renovation teacher at Judith Nyman Secondary School, and Shawn Smith, COO of LogicalDox, a company using VR to revolutionize trades training. Together, they explore how this cutting-edge technology could be a game-changer in solving the skilled trades shortage.
So, how does it work? VR simulates real job site conditions in a fully immersive digital environment. Future electricians, plumbers, framers, and HVAC techs can practice tool handling, material use, and safety procedures—without stepping onto a real job site. For young apprentices, that means more confidence and fewer mistakes when it’s time to build for real.
Sherry experienced VR training firsthand—and was blown away. “The first time I tried it, I was in one room, but the VR transported me to an entirely different environment,” she says. “It was a completely new way to experience learning.”
Trade training has long relie
Governments are investing millions to modernize training and attract youth to the trades, and VR is leading that shift. It’s accessible, affordable, and scalable—even in schools with limited resources.
As Mike says, “If we can meet young people where they are—with the right tools—we can help them become confident, capable tradespeople who know how to build it right.”
There’s no denying it: the trades are changing, and the future is now. As VR continues to evolve, it will play a major role in attracting more young people to the field, teaching them the skills they need, and preparing them for real-world work—safely and effectively.
Listen to the full Episode: “Why is There a Shortage of Skilled Trade Workers? How VR Training and Early Education Can Help Solve the Problem.” on all podcast streaming platforms including Mike Holmes’ YouTube Channel as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Check Out Season 5 Of The Holmes on Homes Podcast
The Holmes on Homes podcast isn’t just for contractors—it’s for anyone curious about how the trades work and why they matter. Whether you’re renovating your home or considering a career in the skilled trades, Mike Holmes brings you real stories from the jobsite, expert interviews, and honest conversations. Each episode delivers practical insights that help you understand how things should be built—and why it’s worth doing it right.
About Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes is a renowned Canadian contractor, television host, and passionate advocate for the skilled trades. With decades of hands-on experience in construction and home renovation, he is best known for his commitment to quality workmanship and educating homeowners on making it right.
About Sherry Holmes
Sherry Holmes, daughter of renowned contractor Mike Holmes, is a skilled contractor and television personality. Following in her father’s footsteps, she brings her expertise in home renovation to various projects. Passionate about quality craftsmanship and helping others, Sherry contributes to making homes safer and more sustainable.
She actively supports and promotes youth and young women in the trades through organizations like Skills Canada, World Skills, and Conestoga College’s Jill of All Trades. Sherry is also an official Meagan Bebenek Foundation ambassador and spokesperson, dedicated to raising awareness and funding pediatric brain tumour research.
