Virtual reality is becoming an increasingly common and effective tool for training in more industries than you may think. The medical and science faculties at leading universities have implemented VR training into their curriculum. Boeing and Emirates have been using flight simulators to train pilots for years. There are virtual training applications in on-site construction training.
PwC and Forbes have both concluded that VR will play a more significant role in the future of work and training. This is primarily because ‘learning by doing’ is 4 times as efficient as traditional e-learning methods. Companies need to capitalise on this VR boom. If not, they will lose their competitive advantage because of ineffective training methods.
Practical Applications For VR Training
We all been asked by a medical questionnaire if we plan to operate heavy machinery soon after our procedure. This is because power tools and industrial machinery are inherently dangerous. VR training increases trainee confidence and lowers risks of injury. For instance, VR training for truck and forklift operator scenarios are commonplace today.
VR training solutions can place trainees in a virtual room with a detailed 3D model of anything from a heart-transplant patient to a Rolls Royce jet engine. The applications for effective iterative training are vast. By this token, there are military and astronaut training applications for VR, headed up by Lockheed Martin and PaleBlue respectively. Trainees tackle no gravity or combat scenarios with no actual risk.

VR Training Will Become Vital In Many Industries
With so many businesses already using VR training because of its proven effectiveness, the technology will soon be common in the many industries. In the not-so-distant future, VR will no longer be seen as a nice to have, but a need to have. It is becoming an essential asset in a business toolkit. And just like a business might invest in payroll software or set aside specific funds for operational expenses, VR will undoubtedly become its own line-item in a budget and for an excellent reason.
The VR Market Continues To Grow
Statista predicts that the VR global market size will more than double in the next three years, from shifting from less than $5 billion, to over $12 billion. Almost 70% of VR applications are in development for industrial applications. This shows that the adoption of VR is not exclusively for gaming and entertainment. It is also useful in areas within specific industries that require a boost in productivity, enhanced business capabilities, and safety.
Our Practice Makes Perfect VR training report found that over 60% of the decision makers across industry that we interviewed believe VR will give them a competitive advantage due to its ability to create a more active learning and training environment characterised by better efficiency, productivity, and safety.

Businesses Not Exploring VR Will Get Left Behind
The physical world and trainee risk tolerances force many businesses to train in environments that can only simulate a fraction of the real risks and hazards of a real job site. VR pushes exercises to the precipice of realism, taking the trainee through mental and emotional challenges, as well as exposing them to hazardous threats and actions.
Highly skilled employees are vital in industry. They should also be aware of the risks of the job before they start. This is vital for creating a competitive advantage. VR allows you to try and try again. The immediate feedback means that you can always hit the reset button, and continue to hone your skills.