VR training is rewriting the workforce L&D playbook, and the numbers tell a compelling story:
- 97% of employees feel more confident in their skills after VR training.
- Companies are seeing up to 300% ROI within just a few years.
- Up to 77% of participants find VR content more engaging than traditional methods.
However, launching a VR training program isn't an easy task. It takes thoughtful planning, the right setup, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The technology is powerful, but success depends on proper implementation.
Having helped with over 3,000 VR-based initiatives, this ArborXR guide will walk you through implementing your own training program successfully. From initial planning to full deployment, we'll cover every step you need to know.
What Is VR Training?
VR training creates realistic, hands-on learning environments using virtual reality headsets and controllers. Companies customize these virtual spaces for all kinds of specific training needs—from soft skills to niche on-the-job processes.
For instance, UPS created a virtual driving simulator where trainees could safely practice handling road hazards. Meanwhile, Bank of America built a digital twin of their building, allowing new hires to explore the company culture and values in a fun, immersive way.
Why Implement VR Training?
We’ve touched on some reasons why VR training is highly effective, but let’s explore further and share even more compelling reasons why it’s worth considering:
Faster Time to Proficiency
VR training significantly shortens the learning curve. Employees can practice anytime and as often as needed in a consistent, controlled environment, speeding up skill mastery.
Take Olivia Bistro, for example. By using VR to immerse employees in a realistic food line setup, they cut training time from 30-40 hours to just 3-6 hours. This efficient method helped them train 100 employees in just 12 months.
Improved Skill Transfer
Speed is great, but it doesn’t mean much if employees struggle to put their training into action. Luckily, that’s not an issue with VR training.
One reason is, VR training is hands-on. Trainees can dive into real-world tasks and can repeat them as many times as needed—making mistakes, learning, and building muscle memory along the way. That way, applying what they’ve learned comes naturally.
Another reason? Engagement. In Mater Education’s training pilot, 77% of participants reported feeling highly engaged with the modules.
Naturally, when learning is fun and engaging, you’re way more likely to stick with it until you feel confident.
Cost-Effective and Better ROI
It’s true… VR training requires upfront investment. But in the long term, it delivers strong financial returns. Intel, for instance, saw a 300% ROI over five years using VR for training.
Here’s why VR training pays off over time: it gets cheaper each year. A study comparing VR to traditional training found that VR initially cost $327 per person, while traditional training was $229. But over five years, VR costs dropped to just $115 per person. And that’s because VR training completely eliminates certain costs related to traditional training, like:
- Travel expenses
- Special training spaces
- Hefty investments in tutors
How to Implement VR Training Successfully in 5 Steps
1. Discovery and Alignment
Every successful VR training project starts with proper alignment. Without understanding your organization's needs, even the best technology won't deliver results.
Begin with a discovery workshop to gather input from teams and stakeholders. This helps identify where VR training can have the most impact—whether in soft skills, leadership training, or specialized areas like surgical or construction training.
Choose one or two focus areas based on urgency, ROI, and business goals. A successful pilot proves VR's value before company-wide implementation. Set clear goals and success metrics. For example, with safety training, you’d track improvements in time lost to injuries and other safety indicators.
And let’s not forget a few other key considerations:
- Budget: Include headsets, software licenses, and content development
- Timeline: Set realistic implementation deadlines
- Technical Infrastructure: Assess system compatibility
- Content: Choose between off-the-shelf or custom-built modules
- Change Management: Plan employee transition support
Just remember, while internal input matters, bringing in VR experts strengthens your discovery phase… and that segues nicely into the next step.
2. Get Experts on the Team
Implementing VR training requires specialized knowledge. From choosing headsets and content to managing provisioning and technology, there are all kinds of important decision where VR expertise can make a huge difference.
So, we always recommend companies work with a vetted XR developer or content partner with experience in their niche. Our expert XR solutions specialists are here to guide you through the process, helping with:
- Choosing the best content for your training needs
- Selecting the right headsets for your environment
- Managing provisioning and deployment
Getting content developers involved early is crucial. Expert partners help shape your entire program, from strategy to implementation. Delta Air Lines demonstrates this value. Despite having resources for an in-house team, they partnered with Futurus for comprehensive support that included:
- Pilot testing
- Developing and fine-tuning content strategies
- Providing expert tech advice, like VR-specific MDM solutions (think ArborXR)
Delta is now using VR at scale and has seen incredible ROI. Check out our Delta Customer Story if you want the full story.
- Increases proficiency checks with employees from 3 to 150 per day - almost a 5,000% increase.
- Saves millions of dollars in operational costs related to fluid usage and trainer and employee travel expenses.
If you’re looking for experienced VR content developers to shape your program, ArborXR’s XR directory connects you with vetted, enterprise-level specialists to get your training initiatives off to a strong start.
3. Decide on Hardware and Software
As we mentioned earlier, bringing in experts can make this step easier. But if you'd rather tackle it yourself, here's what you need to know.
For hardware, you're looking for a VR headset that's:
- Comfortable
- Reliable
- Has a high-quality display
- Affordable and scalable
Great options to consider include the Meta Quest Pro, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, PICO 4E, and HTC Vive Focus 3. For more solid recommendations, check out our enterprise VR headsets guide.
You might also need additional peripherals, depending on your training needs. For example, if your training involves sports or fitness, VR treadmills or motion sensors can amp up the interactivity and immersion.
For software, you'll need a reliable VR development platform to create and deliver content. Strong options include:
- Blender
- Storyflow by Motive.io
- A-Frame
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- CryEngine
- VRTK
Most importantly, you'll need a VR MDM (mobile device management) like ArborXR to manage your headsets. With ArborXR, you can deploy all your headsets remotely, install apps and updates at scale, and control in-headset experiences from one dashboard.
Here’s a quick overview of what ArborXR brings to the table:
- Device Management: Easily set up, configure, and monitor VR devices to keep them secure and up-to-date.
- Content Deployment: Remotely install apps and updates across all devices.
- Kiosk Modes: Lock devices into a single app with ArborXR Kiosk Mode or use ArborXR Home for multiple apps.
- ArborXR Home Launcher: Create a custom 3D home environment, guide users, manage apps, and keep everything on-brand.
- Bulk Device Enrollment: Set up multiple devices at once, making scaling your XR deployments simple.
- Remote View: See in real time what users are experiencing in their headsets for easy guidance and troubleshooting.
- Device Analytics: Get insights into device health, usage, and session data to improve performance.
- Enterprise Security: Enjoy robust security features like SCEP and Root CA certificate support to keep connections and data safe.
4. Train Your Trainers and Support Staff
Your trainers and support staff are crucial to VR training success. They'll guide users through sessions, troubleshoot issues, and manage equipment.
While you could bring in pre-trained external experts, starting with your existing team often makes more sense. Look to your current trainers or support staff who already understand your programs. For example, if you're launching VR medical training, train a few attending physicians on the new system and their updated roles. This eases the transition.
Training options include:
- VR-specific courses
- Sessions with external VR experts
Remember those implementation experts we mentioned earlier? They can help get your team up to speed quickly.
5. Pilot Test Before Rolling Out
Before committing to company-wide implementation, test your VR training program with a small group. A pilot helps identify issues, refine content, and measure initial success.
Choose a diverse test group. For department-specific training like Customer Service, include people at different levels—managers, interns, and veterans. For general skills training, select participants across departments. This variety helps spot challenges that could affect different user groups.
Before launching your pilot, make sure you've considered all the key elements:
- Success metrics and tracking methods
- Technical support requirements
- Training schedules and logistics
- Feedback collection process
- Contingency plans for issues
Once you've refined the program and proven its success, begin scaling gradually. Support new trainers and employees throughout the expansion, while continuing to monitor effectiveness and gather feedback.
3 VR Training Implementation Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Implementing VR training isn’t without its challenges, but with the right strategy, you can tackle them head-on. Here are three common obstacles you might face—and how to handle them.
1. Technical Issues
One of the biggest headaches with VR training is making sure the technology works smoothly. Hardware glitches, software hiccups, or network troubles can throw a wrench in the experience and frustrate everyone involved.
Luckily, there are some easy fixes for this:
- Regular Testing: Test all hardware and software thoroughly in different settings before rolling out VR training company-wide.
- Technical Support: Have a dedicated support team ready to tackle any issues quickly, so training isn’t interrupted for long.
- Update and Maintain Equipment: Keep your software updated and your hardware in top shape to minimize the chances of tech problems during sessions.
2. Managing Costs
VR training can be pricey upfront—sometimes adding up to thousands of dollars, depending on the number of people you’re training. That initial investment can be a hurdle, especially for smaller organizations or those on tight budgets.
The smart way to handle this? Start small and scale up gradually. Instead of buying headsets and other hardware right away, consider renting VR equipment, especially for pilot programs or temporary projects. This helps keep initial costs manageable and gives you room to grow as needed.
Don’t forget to invest in a good MDM (Mobile Device Management) system. Losing track of devices, having no oversight on their condition or usage, can lead to costly headaches. A solid MDM like ArborXR keeps everything under control and saves you money in the long run.
3. Resistance from Employees
Not everyone will be thrilled about VR training at first. Some may be uneasy with the technology, doubt its effectiveness, or just be resistant to change.
The trick is to involve them early. Gather their feedback during the planning stage to address concerns and make them feel part of the process. Highlight how VR training will make learning more engaging, immersive, and effective—helping them succeed faster in their roles.
Start Your VR Training Journey with ArborXR Today
With the right planning and tools, VR training can completely transform how your team learns and grows.
We’ve laid out the key steps—setting clear goals, picking the right hardware and software, getting expert support, and running a pilot test before scaling up. We’ve also touched on some challenges you might face and shared tips to tackle them.
And don’t forget, ArborXR makes it easy to manage VR headsets at scale. You can deploy headsets, remotely install apps and updates, and set up single or multi-app kiosk experiences—all from an easy-to-use dashboard.Ready to level up your VR training? Start your 30-day free trial today and see just how effortless managing VR training can be.