Taking Training and Development to a New Level

Utilizing technology to enhance your training and development program

Simulation-based training is commonplace in healthcare, aviation, and in the military. Only recently have we tapped into this opportunity within Facilities Management and the benefits are proving to be significant.

Simulation training presents individuals with scenarios that mirror tasks and challenges they will be presented with on the job. In healthcare, this can look like presenting a medical student with a simulation “patient” who has certain symptoms requiring the student to diagnose and treat the patient (with no risk to a real human being). In Facilities Management, the concept is the same: associates such as trades personnel are presented with a task they will be required to perform, in an environment that mirrors the real one they will be in (say replacing a component of an HVAC system) – without any risk to the worker, equipment, or building occupants.

Simulation training can be done entirely in person, with re-creations of environments and tasks; however, it is more economical and practical when delivered through technology.

In addition to web-based simulation training, there is an option to utilize a virtual reality component, complete with VR goggles like what you would see in an arcade. VR truly immerses employees into the test environment, allowing them to “walk around” their space, use their hands to interact with tools and materials, and effectively train in a real-world scenario, with no risk associated with their mistakes.

As technology continues to evolve it will also become more affordable. Simulation and VR training are becoming more popular and prevalent, and the benefits extend far beyond ease of use, however we are not seeing these innovations in Higher Ed facilities operations. If your organization is noticing frequent client complaints, inconsistent service or team members failing to meet standards, you should evaluate your program and the processes you have in place and consider Opportunities for Improvement to elevate your Facilities Management performance. .