Kaitlyn Alderman, state workforce manager for Transfr Inc., delivered a presentation on the power of virtual reality as a tool for career exploration and training during a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Anniston.
Alderman, who has been with Transfr for over three years, highlighted how the company’s VR platform helps students gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields like manufacturing, healthcare, aviation and hospitality.
“We want to try to reach students where they are, which is often through technology,” Alderman told Kiwanis members on Feb. 6. “Transfr began in 2017 with a focus on manufacturing training, but we’ve expanded to offer career exploration in several fields. Our goal is to help students find career paths they’re interested in before they graduate.”
The VR simulations, which range from electrical safety training to precision measurement and even restaurant management, allow students to experience real-world tasks in a safe, controlled environment. This hands-on approach not only enhances students’ skills but also builds their confidence. Alderman shared an example of how aspiring electrical linemen can virtually scale heights and perform tasks, without the risk that comes with the real-world job.
“Being a lineman can be very dangerous, and if you’re a student who thinks they may want to be a lineman but don’t know if you’re afraid of heights, VR provides the chance to try it out without any liability issues,” Alderman said. “It gives students the opportunity to see what the job really feels like before making any decisions.”
During the presentation, attendees were invited to witness a live demonstration of the VR platform, where Sarah Woolmaker, assistant director of the Anniston Museum and Gardens, volunteered to try out the restaurant manager simulation. The virtual experience not only tested her leadership and decision-making skills but also gave her a taste of the complexities of managing a restaurant.
“These simulations can be very detailed,” Alderman said. “In some, students perform tasks like surgery, where they can see blood splatter as they use a bone saw. Other simulations, like an oil change, are incredibly realistic, with step-by-step instructions on how to perform the task safely.”
Alderman said Transfr’s platform is designed to complement traditional classroom learning, making it especially beneficial for kinesthetic learners. The integration of VR has been shown to improve student outcomes, as it allows them to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios.
“Students tend to score higher on assessments when VR is incorporated with traditional learning,” Alderman said. “When you’re told to do something while actually doing it, that muscle memory and hands-on practice help cement the information.”
In addition to supporting career exploration, Transfr offers data tracking for both educators and employers, allowing them to monitor a learner’s progress and identify areas where additional training may be needed.
“This technology is a great tool for teachers and employers,” Alderman said. “For example, if an employer is training a group of new hires, they can use the system to see if any of the employees are struggling with certain tasks, and they can intervene before the issue becomes a bigger problem.”
For more information on Transfr’s virtual reality training programs, visit transfrinc.com.
This article was originally published on The Anniston Star as Virtual reality training offers students a glimpse into career paths
