For decades, workplace training has relied on a mix of classroom-based learning, PowerPoint presentations, and eLearning modules. While these methods remain valuable tools—especially when combined with well-designed digital learning solutions—they also have limitations when it comes to hands-on skill development and high-risk environments.
That’s where Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) come into play. Together, these technologies fall under the umbrella of Extended Reality (XR), a transformative approach allowing learners to engage with realistic, interactive training simulations in a controlled, repeatable environment.
Image from Adobe Stock
VR training isn’t just for industries like mining and oil & gas—it’s being used across healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, defence, and beyond. Whether training a frontline worker in a complex technical task or helping leadership teams practice decision-making in high-pressure scenarios, XR training is scalable, immersive, and proven to drive better learning outcomes.
Why Are Industries Adopting VR & AR Training?
VR and AR training have advanced significantly over the past five years, driven by three key factors; Lower Entry Costs, Proven Results, and More Accessible Hardware & Software.
Lets break these down;
- Lower Entry Costs – Thanks to significant investments from companies like Meta and HTC, the price of VR hardware has dropped dramatically. Headsets that once cost upwards of $5,000 are now available for around $499 AUD (such as Meta Quest 3s). This price reduction makes VR training solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
- Proven Results – Research shows that VR training improves knowledge retention, reduces training time, and enhances engagement, leading to real-world productivity gains. From a study conducted with 3,000 learners by PwC they found VR training costs were 52% less than a classroom, training was completed 4 times faster and learners felt 3.75 times more emotionally connected to the content than classroom learners.
- More Accessible Hardware & Software – The rapid evolution of VR headsets, motion tracking, pass-through cameras and the availability existing modules and custom content makes it super-fast for people to get started using this technology.
Use Cases
With over a decade of experience working closely with our customers to develop VR and AR training solutions, we’ve identified four key areas where immersive learning delivers the most impact:
- Safety Awareness: Helping workers identify hazards and practice emergency response protocols in a risk-free, controlled environment.
- Technical Training: Step-by-step walkthroughs of complex equipment, maintenance tasks, and repair procedures, ensuring skill competency before hands-on application.
- Familiarisation & Visualisation: Providing employees with virtual access to remote or high-risk sites before they physically arrive, reducing onboarding time and improving site readiness.
- Emergency & Incident Response: Simulating real-world crisis scenarios to train personnel in quick decision-making and effective response strategies.
These categories encompass many of the XR training needs across industries, offering scalable and repeatable solutions that enhance workforce competency and safety. Companies across a wide range of sectors are integrating VR training to solve unique challenges. Here’s how different industries are benefiting:
- Mining & Resources: Hands-on training for machinery operation, hazard identification, and emergency response in high-risk environments (such as VR Fire Training).
- Healthcare: Simulated surgeries, patient care training, and hands-on medical skill development without real-world risks.
- Manufacturing & Engineering: Equipment assembly, maintenance procedures, and safety drills in realistic digital twins of real-world environments.
- Defence & Emergency Services: Tactical training, high-pressure simulations, and disaster response drills to enhance decision-making and reaction times.
Regardless of industry, the core advantage of XR training remains the same: it allows people to learn by doing—without the risks, costs, or downtime of traditional training methods.
Case Study – Survival Systems International Australia (SSIAU)
Image taken from Sentient Computing’s SSIAU Lifeboat VR Module
One of the biggest challenges for offshore industries is ensuring personnel are well-trained, even when they have limited access to real-world equipment. Sentient worked with Survival Systems International Australia (SSIAU) to develop a lifeboat maintenance VR training module that allows workers to:
- Perform 3 monthly lifeboat capsule maintenance tasks before travelling to site.
- Engage in interactive step-by-step training with real-world lifeboat imagery.
- Improve safety awareness by highlighting potential hazards before they happen.
The result? Better-prepared teams, reduced safety risks, and improved operational efficiency.
The Future of Workplace Training
The evolution of VR and AR technology is accelerating, and the future of workplace training will only become more immersive and data-driven. Here are a few predictions on what to expect in the not so distant future of XR training:
- With the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in VR allowing for such beneficial features as sophisticated voice recognition and allowing students to communicate with virtual AI instructors. These and other AI integrations will continue to evolve which will further personalise training experiences, ensuring employees get the right level of challenge and feedback in real-time.
- More sophisticated real-time performance analytics will provide businesses with actionable insights on employee progress, skill gaps, and overall training effectiveness.
- Seamless integration with existing Learning Management Systems (LMS’s) will ensure that VR is not a standalone tool, but part of a blended learning strategy.
As industries continue to prioritise safety, efficiency, and innovation, XR technology is positioned to become the cornerstone of modern workforce training. Companies investing in VR and AR today are already experiencing measurable returns, from reduced training costs and downtime to enhanced safety and performance. By adopting immersive training solutions, businesses aren’t just solving today’s training challenges—they’re building the foundations for a safer, more skilled, and adaptable workforce of tomorrow.
Ready to Transform Your Training?
At Sentient, we specialise in developing tailored VR and AR training solutions that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Want to see how it can work for your organisation? Let’s catch up and have a chat.