VR for Corporate Training

Soldiers, doctors, and astronauts are being trained for decades in virtual reality (VR). As we know, People learn best by practicing and getting timely feedback when they make mistakes, which is why these critical lines of work are natural applications of the medium. But over the past few years, as the technology has expanded, employees working in industries like retail, logistics, and customer service are making use of VR headsets to get better at their jobs.

For those new to VR, Virtual reality creates a simulated environment that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. It uses 3D-generated images to make the user feel like they are actually there. VIRTUAL REALITY IN TRAINING can be broken down into three types:

• Mobile - users insert their mobile phone into a VR headset (e.g. Merge VR, Destek V5)
• Standalone - the headset does not require any additional cables or devices to run (e.g. Oculus Quest, Pico Neo 2)
• Desktop - VR powered by high-end computers and a VR headset (e.g. Oculus Rift S, HP Reverb G2)

How is Virtual reality changing the corporate training

The case for VR in corporate training is clear - it can increase engagement and knowledge retention levels, and employees can be trained in a harmless, more cost efficient way.

The employees are more attentive towards learning as in an immersive environment they can move around and engage with the content while learning. 

VR promises to increase the retention of information, making workers more prepared for daily tasks. Organizations are finding unique, inventive ways to enable VR in the learning and growth of their workers. 

Studies show that VR facilitates employees to learn through practical experience. Experiential learning is the most effective way to learn as learning through experience increases the quality of learning, and retention by 75-90%.

Statistics Data to Support our Statement

• VR training reduces the occurrence of workplace injuries by 43% 
• VR training has a retention rate of 75%, beating out lectures (5%), reading (10%), and audio-visual learning (20%)
• 39% of big organizations leverage VR/AR technology to facilitate training in simulated environments
• 4 times faster than classroom training on average

Let’s delve into some of the most successful examples to see how it works.

As a recent example, Walmart trained over a million of its employees in VR. Trainees received step-by-step instruction on how to operate a machine, with real time feedback when they made mistakes. The study reveals that VR reduced the training from eight hours to 15 minutes. To quote Heather Durtschi, senior director of content design and development at Walmart, “You can do the math as to what the savings would be.”

Ford combined VR and gamification, giving technicians a look at a virtual model of the Mustang Mach-E engine so they can learn how to identify and mend engine problems. Incorporating gamified VR into multi-step employee training resulted in creating excitement and provided a fun, memorable experience for the workers.

Wenergy, a Virtual Reality Training Company for the renewable energy sector, recently launched a VR training programme on the portal of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This project emphasized on empowering the students under SWAYAM with an immersive mode of education using VR, enabling the students to have access to an active learning environment rather than just textual information, for a better visual understanding of the subject. The platform crossed 1000+ registrations with 800+ Active Learners, and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Takeaway on VR for Corporate Training

We can conclude by stating that VR provides a playground for individuals to practice new skills, safely commit mistakes, learn from their mistakes and succeed on the job.

Companies have started to implement VR as a tool for corporate training. It has the capacity to bring sections of e-learning, hands-on training, personalization , and micro-learning into every learning aspect.  Not only is VR the future of corporate training, but it is inevitable for all kinds of different types of job training.