In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for the success of any organization. In the world of training and development, traditional training methods no longer meet the dynamic learning needs of employees.  As technology continues to advance, virtual reality (VR) training has emerged as a game-changing tool for corporate training programs.  In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting world of VR simulation training and the many benefits that exist for corporates leveraging this immersive technology to enhance training effectiveness and drive tangible business outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• VR Training provides better knowledge retention, safe skill application, and helps businesses save time and money.

• Major companies like SAP, Emirates Airlines, and Saudi Aramco are leveraging this exciting technology to their advantage.
  
  
  

What is Virtual Reality Training?

Virtual reality training is a simulation-based learning method that employs VR technology to create realistic, interactive environments for training purposes. This form of training enables learners to acquire and practice skills in a safe and controlled virtual setting. With the ability to replicate real-world situations, VR training provides an unparalleled level of engagement, interactivity, and experiential learning.

Benefits of Virtual Reality Training:

VR training simulations have opened up a new realm of possibilities for corporate training. The benefits they offer are undeniable and include the following:

1. Enhanced learning experience and learning retention:

Traditional training methods often struggle to engage employees fully and capture their attention. VR training simulations, on the other hand, offer an unequaled level of immersion. By transporting users into realistic virtual environments, these simulations create a sense of presence, making the learning experience more captivating and memorable. According to  a report by Financesonline, research conducted as early as 2020 already indicated that VR training  has a retention rate of 75% as compared to lectures (5%), reading (10%) and audio-visual learning (20%) (Frontcore 2020).

2. Realistic skill application in a safe and controlled environment:

Certain industries involve high-risk scenarios or delicate operations where mistakes can have severe consequences. VR training simulations provide a safe and controlled environment for employees to practice and refine their skills. From hazardous industrial environments to complex medical procedures, VR allows trainees to make mistakes without real-world repercussions. This approach boosts confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves overall performance when facing challenges in the real world.

3. Cost and time efficiency:

   
   

Traditional training methods often come with substantial costs associated with logistics, equipment, dedicated training facilities and instructor fees. VR training mitigates these expenses through scalability enabling organizations to train a large number of employees simultaneously, saving time and resources.  

4. Realistic and diverse scenarios:

   
   

VR training simulations allow HR, Training and Development professionals to create highly realistic and diverse training scenarios tailored to their specific needs. From customer interactions to emergency response drills, VR simulations can replicate real world situations with remarkable accuracy and can also simulate rare events, providing employees with exposure to any scenarios they may encounter in the real world.

5. Data-driven training:

VR training simulations offer valuable data and analytics that enable organizations to track trainee performance and assess training effectiveness.  Every action and decision made within the virtual environment can be captured and analyzed to identify areas of improvement, measure proficiency, and tailor future training programs accordingly. Insights gained from analytics help companies to enhance training methodologies continuously and ensure maximum efficiency.

6. Data integration capabilities:

   
   

Virtual training technology can integrate with company software seamlessly, enabling real time collaboration and enhanced productivity.  With this integration, employees can access and manipulate data, documents and applications, fostering efficient communication and collaboration across teams.  See this in practice by checking out the SAP  International Conference for Energy & Utilities and this video - please add link to SAP video here.  These clips  showcase conference users absolutely awestruck by VR technology and its ability to integrate with SAP Asset Performance Management Software in real-time.

How are corporates using VR training?

Corporates from across the globe are increasingly investing in virtual reality training simulations to revolutionize their learning and development initiatives. Let’s take a look at some examples of this in practice:

1. Saudi Aramco:

   
   

As the world's largest oil company, Saudi Aramco has incorporated training simulations to enhance safety protocols and emergency response training. They use VR simulations to train their employees on handling high-stake scenarios such as oil spills, fires, and equipment malfunctions. These simulations provide a realistic and immersive environment for employees to practice their skills and improve their decision-making abilities in critical situations.

2. Emirates Airlines:

   
   

Emirates Airlines, based in the UAE, utilizes training simulations to train its pilots and cabin crew members for various high-stakes scenarios. Simulators are used to replicate realistic flight situations, including emergencies such as engine failures, extreme weather, and system malfunctions. This enables the airline's staff to undergo extensive training and practice emergency procedures in a safe and controlled environment.

3. Dubai Police:

   
   

The Dubai Police force has embraced training simulations to prepare their officers for critical situations. They utilize virtual training scenarios to simulate real-life scenarios such as terrorist attacks, hostage situations, and high-speed chases. These simulations help officers develop tactical skills, decision-making abilities, and teamwork in high-pressure situations while minimizing risks associated with live training exercises.

4. Saudi Electricity Company:

   
   

The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has integrated training simulations into their training programs to enhance the skills of their technicians and engineers. They use simulation software and virtual models to replicate power plant operations and maintenance scenarios. These simulations enable employees to practice troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance procedures in a virtual environment, allowing them to gain valuable experience and improve their performance in high-stakes situations.

5. Emirates NBD:

   
   

Emirates NBD, one of the leading banks in the UAE, has incorporated virtual training programs to enhance the soft skills of their employees. They utilize VR simulations and scenarios to train employees in customer service, effective communication, and problem-solving. Through immersive experiences, employees can practice and improve their interpersonal skills, empathy, and customer engagement techniques.

6. Saudi Arabian Airlines:

   
   

Saudi Arabian Airlines has implemented virtual training modules to enhance the soft skills of their cabin crew members. They utilize interactive e-learning platforms to provide training on customer service, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. These virtual training programs allow cabin crew members to practice real-life scenarios and improve their customer interaction skills, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Conclusion

Virtual training offers corporates the opportunity to deliver accessible, engaging, cost-effective, and scalable learning experiences to their employees. By embracing virtual training methods, companies can enhance employee skills, knowledge retention, and performance, ultimately contributing to the overall success and competitiveness of the organization.

About SpaceTo:

Embrace the transformative power of virtual reality training with SpaceTo.io, a leading provider of VR training solutions, SpaceTo.io offers a comprehensive platform that enables seamless integration of VR simulations into your corporate training processes. With a vast library of ready-to-use modules and customizable scenarios, SpaceTo.io empowers corporates to design immersive training experiences tailored to their specific learning objectives.