Some 70 percent of employees say they lack mastery of the skills needed to do their jobs. What’s worse, some workers aren’t being provided with informational materials at all, while others receive out-of-date printed manuals. Ineffective training methods ultimately result in employees not learning or retaining vital information needed to do their jobs well and safely. With the high demand for functional on-the-job training on the rise, by not providing engaging material that promotes continuous improvement, employers are not retaining skilled employees.
In today’s fast-paced world, the landscape of training is evolving rapidly, offering both companies and employees new avenues for growth and development. In part, this is a result of younger generations being digital natives and processing information differently. This is where the importance of effective and ongoing training comes in. As learning preferences change and adapt over time, so should training.
How Do AI and 3D Fit into This?
With a focus on engagement and the integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D training tools, organizations are redefining how they approach learning and development. These tools aid employers to personalize training in ways their employees need most. When leveraged properly, AI provides more options to create scenario-based training. Additionally, new training can be created quickly without giving the same content twice.
AI training in and of itself isn’t necessarily engaging, but when used in strategic ways, it can help develop more scenario-based learning that relates situations back to real life and emphasizes why taking the training is so important. It can allow for personalized courses and training paths meeting the learning principle that states adults need to know how information is relevant and applicable. This pushes employers to not present trainees with material that is irrelevant or not applicable to their environment.
Expanding on training offerings, AI also can provide instant feedback on skills presentations helping improve skills quickly without waiting for human feedback.
Similar to AI, 3D training is effective and engaging because it allows users to see how machinery or other tools work when they previously wouldn’t be able to without shutting down expensive equipment and/or taking it apart and creating downtime. Using 3D tech enables learners to see extremely small objects, like chemical reactions or mold; large facilities, including buildings, sites, and large machines; fast equipment, such as high-speed manufacturing lines; and other areas that are not normally observable, such as behind guards, walls, and floors. Using 3D tools, employers can illustrate points without risking people’s safety. AI and 3D training tools can help improve the safety and efficacy of training, especially when used in tandem.
How Can Employers Effectively Implement Personalized Training?
When looking to improve existing training, a good place to start is with pre-learning. All learners shouldn’t be given the same learning path as each individual has unique learning needs, backgrounds, and abilities. A one-size-fits-all approach to training and education is ineffective. Employers should meet employees where they are by assessing competencies, skills, and knowledge upfront, and then catering a learning path to them. This approach applies to everyone across an organization—from the newest hire to the most seasoned veteran employee.
Employers can use AI within training content to evaluate learner responses and confidence and then supply personalized training based on the responses. 3D training can allow for easier swapping of environments in training to make it look and feel like the facility that your employees are used to seeing and interacting in. This is particularly helpful for heavy machinery and other commercial tools that can cause serious bodily harm if not handled properly.
With that said, all AI-created content should be vetted by subject matter experts. The benefits are only there if accurate information is provided. Third-party large language models (LLMs) may use inaccurate information. To do it right, businesses need to ensure the LLM only accesses vetted material to get accurate outputs that also can be vetted.
Benefits of New, Diverse Learning Methods
As employers incorporate newer and more unique ways of learning such as AI and 3D, they are setting themselves and their employees up for a fulfilling learning and working experience. For employees, the benefits received from learning in more personalized ways help set them up for long rewarding careers. When employers cater to their employees’ learning needs, they help build strong foundations for their career and professional and personal advancement. Packaging important lessons in ways that resonate with workers also helps them to learn quicker and spend less time overall on training. Ultimately, this creates a safer workplace and community as vital safety information is less likely to be forgotten or not addressed properly.
The benefits of incorporating diverse learning are seen all the way up to the organizational level. Better training helps employees be more engaged with their work and the company itself. Training efficiency also aids businesses in getting employees to a higher level of productivity sooner than traditional onboarding methods. By utilizing effective training, employees are more competent and faster, resulting in fewer incidents harming the worker or overall productivity. Businesses can operate more efficiently with a strong, well-educated employee pool, which also leaves less downtime where productivity drops.
While AI and 3D training offer tremendous potential, accuracy is paramount. By embracing these advancements responsibly, organizations can unlock the full benefits of engaging in training, driving success and innovation in the ever-evolving world of learning and development.
