Training Organisations, hungry for improvement, are turning more and more to the power of Virtual Reality (VR). They are turning to VR for a variety of reasons, but most notably because of its link to immersion, which is associated with learning by doing (Source: National Training Labs – USA). Immersive training environments are well known to achieve greater knowledge retention rates when compared to conventional alternatives. This has been evidenced in a variety of recent studies including that published by Consulting authority Deloitte that found a remarkable array of benefits from using VR in training.

Benefits included:

• 10-20% gains in labour productivity;
• 30% increase in assembly time;
• Up to 10% reduction in error rates
• Up to 20% decrease in re-work rates; and
• 70% increase in knowledge retention rates overall.

Conventionally, training organisations have utilised audiovisual delivery methods, with lower retention rates, as the lead component of their accredited training programs, which is often followed by a demonstration. VR is adding another, richer layer that is furthering the effectiveness of accredited training. 

“It’s great to be able to engage with progressive-minded training organisations looking to optimise learning outcomes†(Michael O’Reilly – Founder of Next World, a Virtual Reality safety training content development company). “Harness is a significant player in the safety training space, particularly in Qld and PNG, and having them on board with us has helped both of us to satisfy our purpose of helping to make people safer and more productive,†said Mr O’Reilly. 

“Safety is our number one priority at Harness. The ability to reduce error rates up to 10% by utilising VR in our industry will have a remarkable impact on the lives of our people and our clients, by preventing fatalities and injuries as well as minimising downtime and reducing associated costs”. Said Vanessa Bajrovic (Acting CEO of Harness Group).

In the highly competitive landscape of business, searching for an edge can mean the difference between success and failure. An edge certainly exists through the use of VR. 

Harness is a leading provider of accredited training to nearly 10,000 people every year in Australia and is focussed on social responsibility and safety. This partnership currently spans a suite of safety training delivered through the use of Facebook’s Oculus Go and Quest technology programs. Content is currently being delivered in the following areas:

• Manual handling
• Confined Space Entry
• Working at Heights
• Excavator operations
• Hazard Observations
• Equipment inspection
• wth plans to continue adding VR content to other courses Harness offer. 

For further information on this partnership and how you can also partner with Next World – reach out to our Customer Service team here!