Virtual reality (VR) training is transforming how enterprises approach learning and development. Yet, many organizations remain uncertain about its true effectiveness, with lingering questions like: Is it worth the investment? Does it truly outperform traditional methods?
This ArborXR article addresses these concerns by exploring the measurable impact of VR training. Through real-world examples and outcomes, discover why VR training isn’t just a trend but a game-changing tool for effective and impactful learning.
Is VR Training Effective?
We won’t keep you waiting for the answer—yes.
Virtual reality training delivers measurable improvements in speed, retention, and confidence compared to traditional methods. We’ve seen this firsthand with the 3,000+ organizations using ArborXR to manage their VR training programs, but we’re far from the only ones with evidence to back this claim up.
4x
faster to train than in the classroom
275%
more confident to apply skills learned after training
3.75x
more emotionally connected to content than classroom learners
4x
more focused than their e-learning peers
For example, a report by PwC found that VR learners complete training four times faster than classroom learners and feel 275% more confident applying their skills on the job. This data underscores the effectiveness of VR in corporate training.
But how does it compare to traditional methods?
VR Training vs. Traditional Training
Traditional training involves classroom sessions or on-the-job practice, where employees listen to lectures, watch demonstrations, or train under supervision. While familiar, these methods can be expensive, time-consuming, and risky—especially in high-stakes fields.
VR training changes the game by using immersive technology to create real-life scenarios where employees can learn and practice safely. It excels through:
- Learning by doing: Hands-on practice boosts retention and skill application.
- Immersion: Full immersive learning enhances understanding and memory.
- Active engagement: VR keeps learners focused, making training more memorable.
These advantages help VR training overcome the limitations of traditional methods, such as:
- Safety: Employees practice complex tasks without incurring the real-world risks involved with on-the-job training.
- Cost savings: While VR requires an initial investment, it becomes cost-effective over time through repeatable training.
- Consistency: Quality training experiences aren’t dependent on location, trainers, environmental conditions, etc.
VR training combines these benefits to create confident, skilled employees, paving the way for better results in enterprise learning. Let’s look at companies and organizations that have leveraged these benefits for real-world insights into just how effective VR training can be.
6 Real-World Examples of Effective VR Training Initiatives
1. Walmart Scales VR Training to Reach Over 1 Million Employees Nationwide
Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers with over 10,000 stores across 19 countries, has taken a people-first approach by leveraging technology. Through VR training, Walmart has successfully trained over a million employees.
Challenge
While Walmart is not new to VR training for employees, it initially relied on a closed system–one that works with only select partners, tools, and content.
A closed VR training ecosystem for a workforce as large as Walmart’s poses a few challenges:
- Dependence on a single vendor for training content
- Limited training hardware capabilities
- Inefficient content management and deployment
Solution
Walmart switched to an open VR training ecosystem using ArborXR’s mobile device management (MDM) platform. This shift allowed Walmart to diversify its VR content and select from a variety of VR hardware, freeing the company from vendor restrictions.
Outcome
With ArborXR’s support, Walmart scaled its VR training across the enterprise, achieving the following:
- Access to diverse and up-to-date VR training content.
- Freedom to choose VR training headsets based on performance and budget.
- Flexibility to adopt the latest VR training technology without vendor lock-in.
- Efficient updates to training modules via integration with their Learning Management System (LMS).
This led to a “better engagement, improved knowledge retention, and faster time to proficiency.”
2. Pfizer Transforms Training with VR Technology
Pfizer, a global leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, operates 39 manufacturing sites worldwide. In 2018, the company began exploring extended reality (XR) technologies to enhance employee training and onboarding processes.
Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly increased the demand for Pfizer’s vaccines. As a result, Pfizer needed to onboard and upskill thousands of manufacturing workers quickly.
Traditional training methods were insufficient to meet this urgent need. Pfizer had to scale its VR training to prepare this new workforce and equip them with the skills to manufacture millions of vaccines in a short period.
Solution
With the help of ArborXR, Pfizer scaled and maintained a healthy VR training program across its manufacturing facilities to:
- Transform 100+ page SOPs into interactive training experiences, saving time and space required for on-the-job training.
- Train users on proper behavior movement using speed and haptic training.
- Remove accessibility issues by taking 3D scans or creating 3D replicas.
Outcome
Pfizer’s new VR training architecture equipped trainees with the skills needed to meet the high demand for vaccine production during the pandemic. Specifically, the company reduced training time by 40% while improving the training quality by 300%.
3. St. James’s Place Elevates Soft Skills Training with VR
St. James’s Place (SJP), a top financial services firm in the UK, embraced virtual reality (VR) training to boost the soft skills of its financial advisors. The company, part of the FTSE 100, provides face-to-face financial advice through over 4,000 qualified advisors.
Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed SJP to shift from in-person training to virtual learning. Before then, SJP’s academy program relied on traditional training methods, especially roleplay among peers. Unfortunately, these lacked objective feedback–advisors often trained with peers who gave overly positive, non-critical feedback.
Solution
SJP integrated bespoke VR roleplay scenarios for training into its academy program. Trainees used VR headsets to practice client interactions anytime in a controlled and objective environment over 12 weeks.
The VR scenarios featured branching narratives, which score advisors objectively on key soft skills like active listening, rapport building, confidence, and empathy.
Outcome
This forward-thinking approach has positioned SJP as a leader in using innovative technology for financial services training. In terms of measurable results, SJP also recorded:
- Over 1,000 playthroughs, showing improved advisor scores in key areas.
- Increased confidence among trainees, helping them better prepare for real-life client meetings.
- Positive feedback and high engagement. This has encouraged SJP to expand its VR initiatives, including setting up dedicated VR hubs across multiple office locations for easier access.
4. RTC Launched a VR Education Program that Transformed Learning for 150,000 Students from about 700 schools in Belgium
RTC Antwerpen is a Belgian organization supporting educational innovation and bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. They implemented the world’s largest VR education program, impacting nearly 700 schools and 150,000 students.
Challenge
RTC faced challenges in scaling VR education, such as distributing hardware, training instructors, and managing an extensive content library effectively.
Solution
RTC collaborated with VR Expert for hardware procurement and used ArborXR’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for seamless content deployment and device management. ArborXR provided:
- Secure device management with each school having its own secure organization.
- Tiered access for teachers and tech staff, enabling controlled content updates and student experience monitoring.
- A vast library of over 300 rigorously tested XR applications.
RTC also established an XR Academy to train teachers on hardware use, software navigation, and available educational resources.
Outcome
The VR program led to:
- Hands-on, immersive learning with training in fire safety, machinery operation, and CPR.
- Improved safety and cost savings by allowing practice in controlled environments.
- Stronger industry connections, with collaborative training for students and professionals.
- Enhanced educational access, engaging 150,000 students across 700 schools.
5. UPS Improves Knowledge Retention and Operational Efficiency with VR Training for Logistics Staff
UPS, a global leader in logistics and package delivery, is renowned for its massive and complex supply chain network. The company employs thousands of drivers and logistics personnel who need to be well-trained to handle high-stress scenarios and ensure safety during operations.
Challenge
UPS faced significant challenges in training drivers and logistics personnel effectively. Traditional training methods were not always sufficient for preparing employees for complex, real-world situations and safety protocols.
Solution
UPS turned to VR training programs managed through ArborXR. These programs provided realistic simulations of driving scenarios and logistics operations, allowing trainees to practice handling various challenges in a safe, controlled environment.
Outcome
The implementation of VR training led to:
- 75% reduction in training time, decreasing from 8 hours of traditional mentor-led training to just 2 hours.
- Increased employee engagement, as the immersive nature of VR kept trainees more focused.
- Cost savings due to more efficient training sessions and reduced need for physical resources.
- Improved knowledge retention and skill transfer, which meant employees were better prepared for real-world tasks.
6. Delta Air Lines Increases Training Capacity by 4,900% with VR, Training 150+ Technicians Daily
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest and most well-known airlines in the world. Safety and efficiency, especially during winter operations that require deicing, are crucial to their operations. Training technicians effectively to handle these procedures is essential for maintaining operational safety.
Challenge
Delta needed to train more than 1,500 deicing technicians each year, but traditional training methods were slow and could only accommodate a limited number of trainees at a time. This limited scalability and training efficiency posed a challenge.
Solution
Delta implemented VR training modules managed through ArborXR’s platform. These modules created immersive environments where technicians could practice deicing procedures safely and repeatedly, enhancing their preparedness for real-world scenarios.
Outcome
The results were transformative:
- Delta was able to train over 150 technicians daily, a significant jump from the previous capacity of three per day.
- Substantial cost savings, as the VR training reduced the need for physical equipment and extended training durations.
- Improved operational efficiency, as technicians were better equipped and more confident in handling deicing tasks.
Partner with ArborXR to Implement a Tailored VR Logistics Training
ArborXR empowers enterprises to manage and scale their VR training programs seamlessly. Our platform is designed to help you plan and deliver consistent training experiences across multiple locations.
With ArborXR, you can:
- Monitor and control thousands of VR devices across multiple locations from a centralized platform.
- Efficiently distribute and update training materials to all devices, ensuring consistency.
- Push training content and updates seamlessly, saving time and removing the need for physical device access.
- Deliver focused training with an inbuilt Kiosk experience that keeps users on task and prevents unintended interactions.
Wrapping Up…
VR training has proven to enhance learning outcomes, increase retention, and improve skill acquisition across various industries. But you need the right VR MDM platform to maximize these benefits.
ArborXR is designed for effective VR training management, allowing you to train your employees or staff faster and more effectively. We can help you plan your VR training program, from managing the right hardware to finding the right XR app developer to help create your training content.
Sign up today to try ArborXR for free.
