Komatsu, the global manufactuer of construction, mining, and utility equipment, modernised its internal approach to training and in the process, put its staff at the forefront of the business to help futureproof and strengthen its capabilities.
Komatsu approached us with the task of embedding safe working practices into its workforce training plans and with it, attract younger workers to its 400-person Birtley plant where it has been manufacturing and assembling world-leading hydraulic tracked excavators since 1987.
Collaboration
Collaborating with Komatsu, we created a VR model of its Birtley site and developed practical exercises based on real-work situations. Through these engaging and dynamic exercises, proven to aid learning retention, workers were able to learn about critical safety processes and procedures in an immersive virtual environment.
Of the scenarios created by our team, one included an exercise aiming to highlight and promote fire safety procedures in the workplace. This was done by creating a small fire starting in an onsite office, all done within the immersive environment. By providing these experiences in the VR environment, employees were tested and were able to choose how to act and what to do next, experiencing in real-time the consequences of their actions without putting them in harm’s way.
Realistic training
Extremly realistic by nature and incredibly effective, these exercises allow operators and employees to experience and engage with high-risk situations in a safe and controlled environment, providing the opportunity to learn and develop their reactions in high-pressure and dangerous situations, such as an onsite fire.
Extremely well received by Komatsu personnel, the VR training programme helped the company to engage with and attract a much younger workforce, providing tech-first training experiences that met them on their level. In turn, this ensured a well-trained, highly skilled workforce for the future.
Providing an engaging alternative to outdated training initiatives that lack engagement and participation, the VR training resonates with staff and stayed with them past completion of the program. Allowing personnel the opportunity to make mistakes in the virtual world, it mitigates the risk that these mistakes are replicated in the real environment.
The outcome
“Working with 3t Transform has been transformational for our business. Using virutal reality training has helped us to engage with younger audiences and attract them into business. This is critical for our future growth and allows the business to maintain a lifeblood of training and expert staff.”
Paul Blanchard, Director of Manufacturing at Komatsu