A new VR experience for forklift operators
Šabac: A new virtual-reality experience, the VR headset, arrived to the office of the Job info centre in Šabac. Thus, in addition to the present profession of a welder, the users of this part of E2E were also able to familiarise themselves with the job of a forklift operator and to, in almost realistic circumstances, go through the practical training of this challenging profession.
The training contains a theoretical part in virtual space where the trainees first get to know the parts of a forklift, the starting and operation mechanisms. Then follows the driving of this machine and the movement along the predetermined route, with the use of all necessary commands. The ultimate goal is that candidates try themselves out in the main role of the forklift operator: the transfer of load from the warehouse to the means of transport.
“As somebody who is already using VR, I was sceptical towards the VR training. However, VR simulation offered me the opportunity to practice in good scenarios, including those which I did not see very often. Now I feel more prepared to understand different situations in the workplace”, Momčilo M, one of the participants of this training, said.
The VR application offers such an intense experience that its activation is accompanied with the instructions for use, with a warning that the users who have a problem with driving should not use it. Those who do not have such problem were extremely satisfied.
“I tried out the VR for the job of a fork-lift operator and I was amazed. The feeling that I was driving a forklift was really realistic; it was almost as if I were there. The training was interactive and adapted to my learning pace. After this VR simulation, I feel much more sure about and I am more prepared to understand this job”, Milica K. said.
The duration of training simulation is about ten minutes, with the guidance and assistance of career counsellors who are monitoring the use of the application. The impressions are that this is an excellent method for going through all the segments of this work position.
“VR training surprised me with how precise it is. The feeling that I am operating the forklift is almost identical to real-life experience. Additionally, the simulation included working in a small warehouse space. Now I feel that I am more prepared to decide what will my future job be”, Igor V. said.
However, VR training helped Snežana P. to understand the basics and realise that this job is not for her, even though she did say that she had fun.
“I had the opportunity to work in virtual environment without any real risk. Besides, the feedback which I received from the system was very useful. I would definitively recommend this VR training method”, she said.
This innovative tool additionally amplifies the Job info centre’s offer of services and, judging by the impressions we have heard after it was used for a couple of days only, it will become one of the very much liked means of presenting a specific profession.
Text and photo: Mirjana Čvorić / Edited by: Sandra Vlatković
