Everyone learns in different ways. The challenge for many businesses is finding a training method that allows each associate to understand and retain what they have learned over time.
Simulation-based training is commonplace in the healthcare, aviation, military, and defense industries. Now, it’s becoming a more popular option within facility management and skilled
trades—and the benefits are proving to be unmatched.
Immersing employees in life-like training
Simulation-based training presents immersive, interactive scenarios that mirror tasks and challenges that workers will face on the job. In healthcare, for example, medical students will meet a simulated “patient” who presents with an array of symptoms. Students then can diagnose and treat the patient, with no risk to a real human being.
In facility management, the concept is the same: trainees receive a task they will be required to perform in the field, in an environment that mirrors the real one they will work in—without
any risk to the learner, equipment, or facilities.
At SSC Services for Education, which provides facility management, custodial services, and ground management for K-12 schools and higher education institutions across the country, simulation-based training is a core element of professional development offerings available to employees. Employees and employers alike have seen the positive impact of simulation training in daily operations, both for frontline associates and within apprenticeship programs for skilled trades.
Tapping into technology
Workers can do simulation training entirely in-person, with real recreations of environments and tasks. However, this training is more applicable and realistic when delivered through technology.
For example, associates might have to learn the proper procedure for replacing a ceiling tile in an office from start to finish. A simulation training scenario can walk them through each step—from
the moment they open the office door to the cleanup after they have completed the task.
Technology-based simulation training allows businesses to develop customized scenarios— including everything from specific locations to the required tools that team members will encounter
in their day-to-day jobs.
In addition to web-based simulation training, many programs offer a virtual reality (VR) component, compete with VR goggles similar to those found in an arcade. VR truly immerses
employees into the test environment, allowing them to “walk around” their space, use their hands to interact with tools and materials, and effectively train in a real-world scenario, with no
risk in making mistakes.
Banishing VR misconceptions
A common concern SSC Services has heard from associates who use VR training in the facility maintenance space is the risk of motion sickness like nausea or dizziness.
When thinking about VR, many people automatically visualize viral moments of people running into things wearing VR goggles, or getting sick on a VR rollercoaster. However, these scenarios involve fast-moving examples that make the brain feel like it’s not in a safe space.
Facility management VR training is slow paced, with no rapidly moving environments or scenes. When using VR for facility management training, employees are simply visualizing themselves
doing tasks like walking into a library, identifying an air duct, walking over to it, and repairing it.
Another common misconception is that VR training requires a large, empty room or open space. Realistically, employees can safely participate in VR training while seated, or in a
small, 5 by 5- or 7 by 7-foot space.
Building muscle memory for safety
Beyond staying up to date with the latest technology, many practical benefits arise in utilizing simulation-based and VR training in facility management.
Safety is a key concern for facilities managers when training new associates. With VR training programs, every simulation and knowledge check has safety procedures built in, which creates
“muscle memory” for the safety steps that the learner needs to take to implement the task in the real world. Simulation training also allows for risk-free trial and error and gives team members
the confidence to learn hands-on while making mistakes they can learn from, without the real-world consequences.
Facility maintenance team members can use simulation training to learn how to replace plumbing systems without the risk of bursting a pipe or flooding a building or learn to rewire electrical systems without the obvious electrocution risk. For associates who learn better by taking a hands-on approach, this is a great way for them to dive in without risking their own safety, the safety of others, or potentially causing damage to facilities or equipment.
Considering the practicalities
Technology-based training is an investment in employees. The financial commitment is offset by the ability to train a large number of associates effectively and efficiently through smart
scheduling and rotations.
With simulation training, it’s essential to build out a schedule explaining who will be using the technology, reserving their time block, and detailing what they are expected to accomplish within that window. Employees not scheduled for simulation training can remain working in the field or participate in other forms of education.
The training schedule is similar for VR. It’s not necessary to have a large quantity of VR goggles or simulation training subscriptions. Employers can assign associates blocks of time to utilize the
available goggles. Organizations simply need to set schedules that are appropriate for their associates’ growth and the organization’s needs.
When training is complete, the programs offer reports with beneficial information for employers. While different programs and technologies will come with different offerings, some of the most
common features employers can access include:
- Completion rates: Percentage of assigned learnings an associate has completed.
- Pass/fail recaps: Number of successful and unsuccessful attempts an associate has taken in a certain scenario.
- Lifetime statistics: Overall company data on hours of training completed, as well as data on specific associates’ progress over time.
Some simulation training platforms offer technology that can incentivize training. As associates complete courses or hours of training, they can earn points to redeem for gift cards, prizes, and more. When choosing a simulation training company, investigate supplemental details, such as incentivized training, to add additional value for your workforce.
Measuring organizational impact
In addition to continual employee development, determine the additional business impacts of a new training method. Set associate goals in tandem with simulation training.
Think about milestones your organization is looking to achieve. At SSC Services, employers track the amount of time spent on each work order that matches up to a simulation training scenario,
as well as the number of recalls that occur after a work order has been resolved. Improvements in those numbers can correlate to training success. Regardless of what is measured, it’s important to
set reasonable goals and choose a milestone that can be reflected in the data.
As technology continues to improve and evolve, employers must lean into change. Simulation and VR training are becoming more popular and prevalent, and the benefits extend far beyond ease
of use.
The goal of any training program should be to help associates retain knowledge while allowing organizations to improve processes. Businesses that use simulation and VR training programs will see tangible changes in both associate performance and business operations.
