XR Innovation in Vocational Training

XR Innovation in Vocational Training – Staffordshire Training Services’ Award-Winning Partnership with Metaverse Learning

Founded in 2022 by industry veterans Gareth Hassall and Matt Ramsell, Staffordshire Training Services set out to deliver high-quality, future-facing training in the gas and renewable energy sectors. Less than two years later, their innovative approach has earned them national recognition — winning the LCL Award for Innovation and being shortlisted for the Green Centre Award.

At the heart of this achievement is their adoption of Metaverse Learning’s immersive augmented reality (AR) training, designed to supplement both theoretical and practical learning with safe, realistic simulations.

Challenge

As a private training centre, Staffordshire Training wanted to offer learners something more than standard classroom or workshop instruction. Their goals were to:

· Push the boundaries of training delivery with cutting-edge technology

· Give learners safe but realistic environments to practise skills

· Support low-carbon and renewable heating training

· Provide flexible, accessible learning options beyond in-person sessions

Gareth explains:

“I was keen to push innovation and develop a way to supplement the theoretical and practical training we deliver in-house. I wanted learners to experience what it’s like working in the real world from the safety of the centre.”

Solution

Working with Metaverse Learning, the team developed a bespoke AR training package that integrates seamlessly into their courses.

The immersive scenarios are accessible via PC or tablet — a deliberate choice:

“The scheme was accessible through a screen on a PC or tablet as well as an Oculus, but we opted for the screen-based provision, which works very well.” Gareth Hassall, Director, Staffordshire Training Services,

Candidates can:

· Practise health & safety awareness, PPE use, safe working at heights, and access equipment handling

· Work through air and ground source heat pump system design, installation, commissioning, and fault finding

· Interact with virtual customers to improve communication and problem-solving

· Complete built-in knowledge checks to identify gaps before practical sessions

Each learner’s progress is tracked, with detailed performance reports for tutors. Graduates keep access for six months after qualification, providing a valuable on-the-job support tool.

Gareth notes:

“I’d say that our augmented reality training makes up around 10% of the total learning experience, and it works very well for the delivery of core modules such as health and safety awareness… providing plenty of ways to stretch and challenge our candidates.”

Impact

The AR programme has delivered measurable benefits for both learners and the centre:

· Enhanced learner confidence through safe skills practice

· Better preparedness for on-site work, especially in renewable technologies

· A strong USP in a competitive training market

· Recognition by industry leaders, culminating in the LCL Innovation Award

The LCL Awards judging panel — Stewart Clements (HHIC), Charlotte Lee (HPA), Brett Forster (NAPIT), and Hattie Hassan MBE (Stopcocks) — praised the approach:

“This is a brilliant way to put learners into real situations but keep them safe at the same time. AR can be used to create any scenario, to help with problem solving.”

Beyond the Classroom

Staffordshire Training’s commitment to innovation extends beyond their own facilities:

· Heat Engineer – delivering real-life property scenarios for low-temperature system design and heat loss calculations

· Staffordshire Providers Network – collaborating with colleges and independent providers to share best practice and improve regional training

· Jones and Shuffs – working with the century-old plumbing and heating merchant’s sustainable home to offer green tech training in a trusted environment

· Midlands Net Zero Hub – leading the upskilling of gas engineers and plumbers into heat pump technologies

Gareth emphasises:

“Community is important to us… This has enabled installers in the region, looking to upskill into the green technology market, the chance to learn skills for the future in an environment they trust.”

Looking Ahead

For Gareth and Matt, the Innovation Award is both validation and motivation.

“Winning this award and being shortlisted for the Green Award is a real endorsement of the work we do. It’s important that we are seen as a centre that can be counted on… I’m thrilled to have won the Innovation Award and feel that this validation will help us move forward with our plans.”

By blending expert instruction with Metaverse Learning’s immersive AR technology, Staffordshire Training Services is setting a new standard for vocational training in the heating and renewable energy sectors — one where learners are prepared for the challenges of the future, before they even step onto site.