Virtual reality training – or augmented reality training – is quite the buzzword these days. But these types of teaching solutions aren’t just for your typical classroom.
Simulation trainers for heavy equipment operators has become a popular training tool for re-training misplaced workers and training incumbent workers, veterans, and even those in the correctional system.
States are always looking to determine the best way to prepare these particular groups of people for viable, well-paying careers. From the Virginia coal mines or to infrastructure improvement construction projects in literally every state across the U.S., the opportunities for this technology are expansive.
A Cheaper, More Efficient Workforce Solution
Training at the controls of real heavy machinery equipment is dangerous and carries some pretty high operating costs. Mistakes mean the equipment is damaged and could hurt those who are training.
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Simulation technologies – on the other hand – allow you to offer “hands-on” training and teach core skills without all that.
It’s safer because “accidents” happen in the simulator. The training is also faster because students can reach their performance targets sooner by learning to do things right at the simulator, gaining confidence in their operating skills.
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Whether you’re training incumbent workers who are good with their hands and want to get back to work or veterans who need a clear pathway to reenter civilian work, it doesn’t take long for students to learn new skills efficiently and take it directly to the workforce.
Certification
As with any workforce solution, it really ups the ante to be able to offer students industry-recognized certification as part of your program. This ensure they are on the same playing field as the rest of the workforce and helps them to get jobs more easily once their training is complete.
Training systems like those from SimLog allow instructors to offer certification guidelines from NCCER for construction equipment, NCCCO for cranes, and OSHA for forklifts
Reduce Recidivism Rates
The Pew Research Center published a study earlier this year describing how rates of recidivism dropped by 23% over the course of a 7-year period between 2005 and 2012.
Pew analyzed more recent data, too, from the 23 states with reliable reporting, and found double digit declines in both recidivism and crime. Many states are heralding mentoring services from nonprofits and technology career training as the reason for this drop.
In my experience, I often see industrial companies hire former inmates who have committed to learning new skills sets while behind bars and are committed to making a change once they are released. This includes incarcerated individuals in both the juvenile and adult systems.
Heavy machinery training, especially in the ubiquitous construction industry, offers a huge opportunity for inmates. Simulation trainers make sense in these scenarios since prisons often don’t have massive budgets for training programs but still want to give inmates the opportunity to learn new skill sets that will set them on the right path once they reenter society.
Moreover, inmates who earn an industry certification while still incarcerated are often able to get a job more quickly once they are released.
