Atheer: Bridging the Skills Gap in Workforce Training with Augmented Reality (AR)

As a learning and training professional, you understand the challenges of quickly and cost-effectively bridging the growing gap of open positions with highly skilled workers or retaining talent in the organisation, particularly production workers, technicians, and tradespeople. Many industries need skilled workers and qualified candidates. Organisations must address the need to retain talent, and experienced workers are vital to achieving operational performance, with valuable knowledge leaving them further complicating the situation.

Traditional training strategies need to meet the needs of the industry, falling short in effectiveness, engagement, and the ability to measure success. According to the 2022 Training Industry Report, the highest priorities for training are increasing program effectiveness, learner engagement, and measuring the impact of training programs, requiring a transformative change in approaching workforce training and skills development.

Recent research by Deloitte highlights that current training models for construction and manufacturing need to be aligned with the demands of the twenty-first century, contributing to the ongoing worker shortages. A solution proposed by Deloitte is embracing "new models of learning... that leverage technology to help workers develop the new mix of skills required in the age of automation."

One of the most effective and efficient solutions to address these challenges lies in Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Augmented Reality combines the digital and physical worlds, enabling real-time interactions and immersive learning experiences. Imagine being able to fix a piece of equipment by simply pointing a mobile device at it and following step-by-step instructions overlayed directly on the image.

The Atheer AR platform offers a visual "knowledge base" solution, facilitating effective and efficient knowledge-sharing for complex remote tasks, employee training, product and equipment assembly, maintenance and repair, field and customer support, and much more. As a Learning and Development or training professional, embrace Atheer's Augmented Reality technology and revolutionise your training programs for a more cost-effective and efficient future.

Atheer's AR technology can revolutionise training and skills development, reducing costs while boosting effectiveness and efficiency:

Reduced Equipment Costs: Contrary to common misconceptions, AR does not require costly equipment like Virtual Reality (VR) does. AR can be easily operated on familiar devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR visors, making it flexible and future-ready. Moreover, it can create digital versions of real-world objects, eliminating the need for expensive traditional training equipment. Employees can simulate using machinery, saving equipment costs and reducing training-related accidents.

Just-in-time Training: AR is ideally suited for just-in-time training and skills assessment, allowing learners to access specific information or learn new skills precisely when needed. Workers can receive written, video, or remote live help while performing a task, even for unfamiliar equipment repairs.

Reduced Travel Costs: Traditional training programs often require employees to travel to designated classrooms, incurring significant expenses for companies. With AR, remote onsite training eliminates the need for travel and saves time and costs for both the organisation and employees.

Learner Enablement: AR accelerates the learning process by enabling employees to learn at their own pace and in their preferred environment. This increased flexibility leads to quicker completion of training programs and reduced resource requirements.

Reduce Training Costs: Implementing AR allows for self-guided training experiences, reducing the reliance on dedicated trainers. This results in cost savings and enables trainers to focus on more complex tasks or new initiatives.

Improved Retention: AR provides engaging and immersive learning experiences, significantly improving information retention compared to traditional methods. Better retention rates mean reduced future training needs and overall cost savings. Plus, there are indirect employee and talent retention benefits within the organisation. 

Performance Insights: As a digital delivery system, AR allows real-time monitoring of employees' progress and performance during training sessions. These insights facilitate identifying problem areas and offering immediate feedback, leading to better learning outcomes.

Atheer's revolutionary product, the Atheer AR platform, is at the forefront of this transformation. The Atheer AR platform empowers workers to perform at their best by providing expert guidance at any moment on any device. With Atheer, HR and Learning departments can dramatically reduce the time required to train and certify the workforce and field technicians.

Image courtesy of RealWare

Traditional training methods often fail to achieve improved learning outcomes and knowledge retention. However, adopting Augmented Reality (AR) in training is a game-changer. Let's explore how AR enhances learning in the flow of work, leading to improved knowledge retention, skill development, task-based assessment, and overall performance support.

Organisations need to combine theory, knowledge, and observational learning to create a comprehensive training program. Experiential learning through AR technology fills the missing piece in the learning ecosystem. While an LMS provides a solid knowledge and theory foundation, incorporating experiential learning allows for hands-on training and skill development. Learners can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, receiving real-time feedback and guidance. As a result, organisations can optimise learning outcomes and achieve success by integrating with a Learning Management System (LMS).

Learning in the Flow of Work: AR seamlessly integrates with employees' workflow, allowing them to access relevant information at the point of need. With AR, workers can directly overlay digital instructions, data, and guidance onto real-world tasks. The "learning in the flow of work" approach ensures that knowledge is applied in real-time, resulting in a more practical and efficient learning experience.

Improved Learning Outcomes: AR's interactive and immersive nature engages learners, enhancing their understanding and retention of complex concepts. The ability to visualise and manipulate 3D objects helps learners grasp abstract ideas quickly. As a result, training with AR leads to improved learning outcomes, as learners are more likely to comprehend and apply the knowledge effectively.

Knowledge Retention and Transfer: AR enables a multi-sensory learning experience, combining visual, auditory, and tactile elements. Studies have shown that experiential learning improves long-term memory retention and promotes knowledge transfer to real-world scenarios. Employees can apply the learned skills immediately, ensuring that knowledge is retained and utilised efficiently.

Skills Development: AR supports hands-on, interactive training, allowing employees to practice skills in a safe and supported environment, enabling them to build confidence and proficiency before applying those skills in real-world situations. Moreover, AR-based simulations can recreate challenging scenarios, ensuring employees are well-prepared to handle complex tasks effectively.

Task-Based Assessment: Traditional assessments often rely on online tests or quizzes, which might not accurately reflect an employee's practical abilities. AR, on the other hand, offers a task-based assessment where learners perform actual tasks in work-related environments. Trainers can measure learners' performance objectively, identifying strengths and areas for improvement with precision.

As the demand for upskilling and continuous learning intensifies, Augmented Reality (AR) emerges as a powerful tool to support employees' development in the workplace. By facilitating learning in the flow of work, AR enhances knowledge retention, transfer, and skill development, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes and better overall performance. Embracing AR in training is not just a technological advancement but a strategic investment in the success of both employees and organisations in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Ready to revolutionise your workforce training and bridge the skills gap? Embrace Atheer's cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) platform and discover how AR improves learning outcomes, boosts knowledge retention, and empowers your workforce for success. Don't miss out on the future of training!

Praxworxs
Praxworxs is a trusted partner in delivering innovative Field Service Management (FSM) and Learning solutions to businesses worldwide, focusing on optimising efficiency, improving learning outcomes and service performance, and driving digital transformation. The Praxworxs Partner Network empowers organisations to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Praxworxs has established a team of expert Partners with extensive industry knowledge of cutting-edge technologies to provide tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. From implementing immersive technologies like Atheer's Augmented Reality (AR) Technology to offering comprehensive training and support, Praxworxs is dedicated to enabling businesses to achieve their goals. Discover the power of the Praxworxs Partner Network and unlock the full potential of your field service operations with integrated learning technologies.

Atheer

Atheer is a leading provider of Enterprise-grade Field Service Management (FSM) and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions, revolutionising field service management and workplace learning. Atheer's cutting-edge technology empowers organisations to optimise workforce performance, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. With Atheer, businesses can unlock the full potential of their digital workforce, driving productivity, efficiency, and safety. From field service support, operational process improvement and execution of standard operating procedures (SOP) to real-time data analysis, Atheer transforms how businesses operate effectively and efficiently in the workplace. Discover the future of field service management with Atheer.