10 reasons to implement Virtual Reality in Vocational Training

Vocational training is undergoing a revolution thanks to the incorporation of Virtual Reality, as this technology transforms the way students acquire knowledge and skills, providing immersive experiences that simulate real situations.

In particular, VR offers a number of benefits that can significantly improve the quality of education and vocational training, optimising students’ preparation for the world of work.

Virtual Reality allows learning by doing, which is fundamental for effective knowledge retention.

This could be demonstrated in the study conducted by the research group at the University of Nottingham to measure the effectiveness of Virtual Reality training compared to traditional training. Participants completed questionnaires to assess their knowledge of fire safety or safe vehicle dismantling procedures before and after the training, as well as one week later.

While those who received traditional training appeared to have acquired more knowledge when they were given the first test, a significantly greater decrease in knowledge scores was observed when they were given the questionnaire one week later.

Research suggests, therefore, that increased cognitive engagement in learning in the virtual environment creates more established and complete mental models that can improve memory.

In contrast to traditional methods, students find the Virtual Reality format attractive and motivating, which facilitates a greater willingness to learn the subjects presented to them.

For example, in mechanical manufacturing training, they can explore and manipulate virtual versions of milling machines, lathes or CNC machines, which is much more stimulating than learning through manuals and lectures.

Motivation and engagement are crucial to educational success, and VR has the ability to transform the learning experience into something interactive and exciting.

Virtual Reality ensures that students can practice and learn in a safe environment without physical risks.

For example, in training for work at height, they can learn safety techniques in a virtual environment, eliminating the risk of falls and other accidents.

When we talk about safety, we are not only referring to the students, but also to third parties. For example, thanks to Virtual Reality, it is possible to practice many healthcare techniques and skills without putting real patients at risk.

Related to safe practices, VR also allows for the simulation of high-risk situations that would otherwise be impossible to replicate.

In training courses on renewable energies, for example, failures and accidents can be simulated without putting the trainees at risk and allowing them to experience the consequences of malpractice in a highly realistic way.

This improves awareness of occupational risks and the importance of prevention and the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

In many cases, high-risk jobs involve environments that are impossible to recreate in a classroom without Virtual Reality.

For example, in wind energy technician training, students can practice on full-size virtual wind turbines that they would otherwise never have access to.

On the other hand, the implementation of VR in training can significantly reduce the costs associated with training by saving on raw materials and repairs related to equipment misuse.

For example, a laboratory procedure simulator allows students to perform laboratory procedures multiple times without the expense of reagents in a real environment. This not only saves resources, but also provides more opportunities for practice.

Virtual Reality training not only focuses on technical skills, but also facilitates the development of soft skills. Students can participate in role-based exercises and potentially real-life situations that improve communication, decision-making and teamwork.

Among other skills, virtual environments allow you to work on leadership, teamwork and decision-making under pressure.

For example, it allows the development of empathy and communication skills, both of which are very necessary in tertiary sectors that involve direct contact with the client, allowing practice in handling different types of interactions and effective conflict resolution.

Virtual Reality can significantly improve collaboration between students and teachers, allowing them to work together on projects, while sharing ideas and solving problems together in an interactive environment.

This collaborative capacity also extends to distance learning. Students from different institutions can come together in a virtual space to work on joint projects, attend conferences or participate in discussions, breaking down geographical barriers and creating a global learning community.

Total immersion in a virtual environment facilitates a deeper understanding and a more immersive learning experience.

Specifically, the ability to visualise and manipulate objects in 3D improves information retention and allows students to experiment and learn in a more intuitive and natural way.

When it comes to machine repair tasks, for example, students can disassemble and assemble virtual parts, gaining a better understanding of the inner workings of equipment and reducing errors in subsequent real-life practice.

Simulations can be adjusted to reflect different levels of difficulty and various scenarios, providing students with a wide range of practical experiences that better prepare them to face real challenges.

In this way, Virtual Reality allows the pace and content of learning to be customised according to needs, promoting a more adaptive and learner-centred approach. This also helps instructors to identify areas for improvement, ensuring effective and tailored learning.

Thanks to its many benefits, Virtual Reality is becoming an opportunity for vocational training centres to transform their educational methodology, allowing them to improve the quality of learning.

As VR technology continues to advance, its integration into education and vocational training will continue to grow, providing increasingly effective and immersive learning experiences that contribute to the optimal preparation of students for the world of work.