General News
26 April, 2023
Innovative VR training centre
High-tech is game-changer for the Endeavour Foundation
A VIRTUAL Reality (VR) hub is changing training for the better at Endeavour Foundation’s Innisfail social enterprise.
The disability service provider has unveiled a new VR learning hub, including a fast gaming computer, VR headset, driving wheel, and a 75in e-board for 19 employees.
The high-tech hardware comes with a suite of interactive virtual training programs, aimed at helping people with disability gain confidence by practing skills in the safety of the virtual world before taking them out into the real world.
Ben Exon is employed to construct wheelbarrows and recycle mattresses at the social enterprise and said he was keen to get behind the virtual wheel to practice driving.
“I play Nintendo at home but I’ve never used VR before,” he said.
“It will be a lot more exciting than our usual training and the forklift program will be good for safety. “I’m excited to see how good my driving skills are because I’m on my learner’s and I hope the VR can help me gain confidence.”
Endeavour Foundation executive general manager Eric Teed said the new technology would open doors to training experiences that employees had never had access to before.
“The Virtual Reality revolution has well and truly arrived at our Innisfail social enterprise,” he said.
“Our social enterprises are businesses that focus on skills development in the workplace and the new VR hub will complement this perfectly thanks to the immersive forklift and warehouse safety, traffic management, and driving programs.
“Our employees will now be able to access 25 interactive VR training programs and they’ll also gain access to more than 200 of Endeavour Foundation’s Thrive Learning programs all in the one place.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without a government grant and we’re incredibly grateful to Bob Katter MP for supporting our application.”
The hub was funded by a Stronger Communities Programme (round 7) grant of $8744 and Mr Katter launched the service last week.
“Congratulations to the Innisfail Endeavour Foundation crew on the launch of their virtual reality training system. They do a great job offering skills training and employment for people living with a disability and their new virtual reality system allows their recipients to practice real-life skills, such as operating vehicles and machinery in a safe environment, before moving into real workspaces,” he said.
“Well done to everyone at Endeavour Foundation.”
