TSA Insight Magazine Issue 18 - Magazine - Page 26
expected to navigate potentially
hazardous real-world scenarios.
For example, when a learner turns
a valve in VR, we could open the
valve up to show them exactly what
is happening inside it. That’s not
something that can be replicated
on site, but it greatly enhances the
learner’s understanding of what
they’re doing when they are actually
on site!
Virtual “hands-on” activities like
this provide learners with practical
experience and exposure to potential
hazards in a safe and controllable
way, helping prepare them for the
challenges they may encounter in
their actual day-to-day work. Virtual
training helps ensure that learners are
well-equipped to handle real world
emergencies and can, therefore,
make informed decisions in highpressure situations.
Cost bene昀椀ts of virtual training
Aside from its educational benefits,
VR training also offers significant
cost savings. Building a custom
virtual training environment will
be a quicker and more affordable
proposition than constructing a
physical facility. Furthermore, virtual
training can eliminate at least some
of the expenses related to travel,
accommodation, subsistence and
logistics because learners can
participate in our training programs
from anywhere in the world without
leaving their own site. This can save
both money and time whilst also
maximising the physical time spent
on plant training, as learners will have
already gained core underpinning
knowledge as they (virtually) practise
some skills.
26
Enhancing not replacing real-world
skills
Here at Reynolds Training, we are at
the very beginning of this journey into
VR training, but we know that it will
quickly develop into an essential part
of our blended learning offering. It’s
important to make clear that we aren’t
suggesting VR learning will replace
real world hands-on experience.
There is no substitute for getting your
hands ‘dirty’ in a real bulk storage
facility.
So, while virtual training - and the
other digital tools we use - offer
numerous benefits, it is essential to
recognise that these complement
hands-on training with time-served
experienced trainers, they certainly
don’t replace it!
Digital technology provides learners
with
additional resources
and
opportunities for practice. But it is
only by combining virtual training with
real-world experience that we can
ensure our workforce is equipped with
the knowledge, skills, experience and
competence necessary to perform
their duties safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Digital technology is revolutionising
the high hazard sector, so it is only
right that it also revolutionises the
way we train people for that sector.
From personalised learning styles to
realistic VR simulations, digital tools
can enhance engagement, improve
learning outcomes and, ultimately,
contribute to overall safety and
efficiency in the workplace. And for us
at Reynolds Training Services, that’s
the point of the game!
If you’d like to know more about our
I N S I G H T
M AG A Z I N E
pioneering work taking training into
the virtual world, just pop over to
stand M24 at StocExpo 2024 for a
demo, or visit our website: https://
reynoldstraining.com/virtual-reynolds.
Author
John Reynolds, Managing Director,
Reynolds Training Services
About Reynolds Training Services
Reynolds Training Services creates
and delivers health & safety training
and process training, as well as
competency management, to build
future-focused career pathways for
the high hazard industries, covering
everything from plant, through
logistics, to tank storage. Our courses
are underpinned by internationally
recognised awarding bodies including
NEBOSH, IOSH and GQA.
As a registered Apprenticeship
Training Provider, we founded
the UK’s first Bulk Liquid Storage
Apprenticeship. We also provide
bespoke training to meet the needs
of our sector today and into the future
of energy transition. Always keen to
drive forward digital transformation in
our sector, we are pioneering the use
of 3D VR technology in our training
delivery.
