Transitioning from military service to civilian life poses unique challenges for veterans, particularly in acquiring new life and job skills. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge this gap, offering immersive, hands-on training programs designed to help veterans succeed in civilian roles. Here’s how VR is revolutionizing this process.
Developing Job-Specific Skills
VR provides veterans with realistic, interactive training environments that simulate workplace scenarios. This approach allows veterans to gain practical experience in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and customer service without the risks or costs associated with on-the-job training.
VR job skills training can include things like retail duties, machine functions, and customer relations. Veterans can use these programs to practice tasks such as inventory management, team communication, and problem-solving in a controlled environment. During a VR simulation, peripheral wearables can track responses such as heart rate and pain levels. [4] This data can help determine fitness habits, while the VR headset responses can indicate short- and long-term memory, as well as auditory recall. [4]
In addition, VR programs can train veterans in technical skills, such as operating heavy machinery or repairing equipment. By replicating complex systems and processes, VR allows trainees to learn at their own pace, making it easier for veterans to transition into technical roles.
Finally, in 2022, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers, a professional services company) conducted a survey, and found that VR learners:
- Were 4x faster to train than classroom learners
- Were 275% more confident to apply skills learned
- Were 3.75x more emotionally connect to the content than classroom learners
- Were 4x more focused than their e-learning peers [3]
Fortunately, veterans can avail themselves to this emerging technology to acquire job skills that will qualify them for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Enhancing Communication and Interpersonal Skills
One of the key challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers is adapting their communication style to a non-military setting. VR can simulate scenarios like job interviews, workplace meetings, or customer interactions, helping veterans practice their responses and refine their interpersonal skills. [2]
VR-based soft skills training use AI-driven avatars to create realistic workplace scenarios. Veterans can engage in role-playing exercises, such as resolving conflicts or presenting ideas in a meeting. Participants are able to have conversations with VR avatars, where the avatars will react to what is being said in real time. [1] The simulations not only improve communication skills but also prepare veterans to navigate complex social dynamics in civilian work environments, making them more effective team members and leaders.
Teaching Essential Life Skills
In addition to job-specific training, VR is helping veterans master essential life skills that contribute to independence and success in civilian life. Programs designed to teach budgeting, time management, and even basic household maintenance are providing veterans with tools they may not have had the opportunity to learn during their military service.
VR modules are available for navigating public transportation, grocery shopping, and managing finances. Practicing soft skills in VR provides a repeatable learning experience that is more authentic to the scenario as it occurs in the workplace. [5] These immersive experiences make it easier for veterans to practice and retain new skills, ultimately promoting greater self-sufficiency with the ability to simulate real-world environments makes it an ideal platform for teaching spatial skills, such as navigating unfamiliar cities or driving. These competencies are critical for veterans who are adjusting to life outside of a structured military setting.
Expanding Access to Training Opportunities
One of the greatest advantages of VR is its ability to deliver high-quality training to veterans in remote or underserved areas. Many veterans live in rural communities where access to educational programs and job training is limited. VR eliminates geographical barriers, allowing them to participate in cutting-edge training programs from anywhere with an internet connection.
For instance, organizations and government agencies are developing programs specifically for veterans, providing access to virtual classrooms and training labs. These initiatives not only broaden access to learning but also make training more flexible, accommodating veterans’ unique schedules and needs.
Virtual reality is transforming the way veterans learn life and job skills, offering immersive, customizable, and accessible solutions. By simulating real-world environments and challenges, VR equips veterans with the tools they need to succeed in civilian roles, from mastering technical tasks to navigating complex social dynamics. As VR technology continues to evolve, its potential to support veterans will only grow, opening doors to new opportunities and helping them build fulfilling post-military careers.
References
- Barnard, Dom. “Benefits of VR for Developing Job Skills.” www.virtualspeech.com. 22 Oct 2024.
- Conant, Joyce M. “Virtual Reality Helps Veterans Prepare for New Jobs.” www.army.mil. 26 Sep 2017.
- Likens, Scott; Mower, Andrea. “What Does Virtual Reality and the Metaverse Mean for Training?” www.pwc.com. 15 Sep 2022.
- Rea, Kerry. “Virtual Reality as a Key Tool for ‘Soft Skill’ Training.” www.govloop.com. 02 Oct 2024.
- Kovziridze, Nino; Thompson, Sophie. “VR for Soft Skills Training.” www.virtualspeech.com. n.d.