Today, training new employees or keeping existing employees’ skills up to date in a quickly changing world can be a daunting task.

Due to rapid advancements in technology, it’s challenging for employees to learn new skills, techniques or processes in short time frames. Application training can require practice on equipment or software not readily available, yet the learners are expected to know their way around the application, regardless. Early computer based training involved converting people’s classroom training into eLearning. But this misses the real potential computer training has to offer.

A simulation can best address this gap in learning. Simulations have been used for years with aviation and healthcare, but now they are gaining momentum as a game changer for other application training. They have proven effective for sales, safety and any high-risk environment.

Simulations for application training prepare the learner more thoroughly, allowing proficiency before working on the actual equipment or process, while building learner confidence. They can develop a level of experience in thought processes, habits, decisions making, etc. that would previously take much longer; sometimes through costly trial and error.

They can also vary greatly based on need, timelines and budget.  Simulations can be high tech, or as a simple role play or game. They can be comprised of realistic 2D and 3D images, redesigned video or simple graphics.

While simulations are not ideal for every situation, they are recommended when the training is hands-on and skill based. Whenever you have to train on a new or changing technique or process, the simulation is your perfect tool!