CoA training platform a ‘virtual’ success

The result of partnership between the Ministry of Social Development, the NZSA and experiential learning specialist JBA, the SkillsVR virtual reality and e-learning security training platform is ready to launch.

A partnership between MSD, the NZSA and specialist virtual reality developer JBA (Joy Business Academy), a new Virtual Reality training platform seeks to address frustrations with delivery of mandatory training that must be completed as part of obtaining a Certificate of Approval for security officers.

“Those frustrations include accessibility issues (particularly outside of main metropolitan areas), a lack of consistency in the training delivery (including shortened programmes) and literacy issues with current training materials,” said NZSA CEO Gary Morrison.

“Virtual reality and e-learning are recognised as leading edge technologies for the delivery of high quality and effective training,” he said, “providing benefits such as:

• Time and cost of training and certification - guards are certified in less time and with less disruption to operations.

• Practice for the real world - guards have the opportunity to practice potentially dangerous scenarios, allowing them to safely and effectively comprehend principles before applying them in the real world.

• Accessibility outside metropolitan areas - guards can get trained, refreshed and/or certified anywhere without the need to travel and without the cost of facilitator travel and accommodation.

• Comprehension - literacy challenges - guards are emotionally connected to their virtual environment, and need to utilise their cognitive abilities to complete training/certification, overcoming literacy challenges.

• Consistency - guards receive comprehensive and consistent training and have access to training and refreshers throughout the year without having to engage a training facilitator or incur any massive cost to the business.

Whilst the original intent was to develop a high quality and readily accessible training delivery option for candidates placed into employment through the NZSA MSD Skills for Industry programme, the NZSA believes that it is in the interest of the wider industry to make the training platform available for all industry participants.

“It is important, however, to stress that industry has the choice to utilise the platform or not,” said Gary, “and that it is an option for industry to consider, not a replacement for existing training.”

The SkillsVR security training platform comprises a mixture of e-learning and virtual reality modules hosted on the JBA SkillsVR portal and comprises the three unit standards:

• 27360 Demonstrate knowledge of managing conflict situations in a security context (e-learning)

• 27361 Manage conflict situations in a security context (virtual reality)

• 27364 Demonstrate knowledge of the security industry in a pre-employment context (e-learning)

Job site training delivered off-site

“The e-learning modules provide total flexibility with regards to venue and timing from a learner perspective and the virtual reality is delivered from a simple to use headset that can either be purchased or hired (with one day courier turnaround),” he said.

“Users can expect an immersive experience for potentially dangerous situations, allowing them to flex their cognitive abilities in real-world environments, said JBA’s CEO James Coddington. “VR is the only technology that can highlight identifiers of performance in real-world situations before people are put in harm’s way.”

“It also helps candidates and employers understand how someone might react in a specific role, as opposed to working for 3 months only to learn that the candidate is more suited to something else.”

JBA and NZSA recently hosted a user testing session, with a small group of security providers and Skills representatives viewing, testing and providing feedback on the platform. “Despite some unexpected technical glitches the overall feedback was exceedingly positive,” said Gary, “particularly with regards to the quality, realism and effectiveness of the virtual reality scenario-based training.”

JBA is currently making system improvements and adding further functionality based on user feedback. It is planned that MSD candidates will be trained on the platform in coming weeks.

The NZSA will conduct a roadshow around the country in early 2021 with an open invitation to security providers to trial and experience the platform and discuss delivery and pricing options. Dates and locations will be promoted well in advance.

The value of partnerships

According to James Coddington, the cost of developing VR-based training platforms can be prohibitive, but via partnerships JBA has been able to make the tech more accessible. “Because we’ve developed our VR modules in conjunction with Government and Industry, they address challenges that are common to all businesses, at a cost that is more efficient than traditional, in-class, and e-learning channels,” he told NZSM.

JBA has worked with MSD to develop Kills for Industry VR learning experiences for job seekers and employers in a range of areas in addition to security, including construction and health and safety.

“We’ve had funding approved for 14 more VR scenarios, aligning to multiple industry standards including NZQA,” said James. “Customers can expect to see an ever-growing library of VR scenarios covering all aspects of the workplace, and ultimately improving the quality of health and safety in New Zealand.”

“To help businesses adopt VR we’re offering a very affordable package to help pilot this emerging technology with minimal risk. This package includes onboarding, access to VR headsets, postage to regional offices, deployment guidance, benchmarking, and analysis for Return on Investment (ROI).”

For further information please contact Chris Thomas from SkillsVR: chris@SkillsVR.com, Ph 021 771 173.