Avanti West Coast has unveiled a cutting-edge immersive learning space to help staff put their skills to test in a safe environment.<\/p>\n
Located in the intercity operator\u2019s Talent Academy in Crewe the facility called \u2018Immerse\u2019 enlists 270-degree video projections, sound, light and scent to recreate situations on the rail network that can support with learning.<\/p>\n
Designed to be a safe and controlled environment, it allows colleagues to experience real-life situations they may encounter in their roles, from standing on a busy platform as a train arrives to observing how customers are supported at ticket gates. It also offers the opportunity to see a station from a customer\u2019s perspective, including that of a child with autism.<\/p>\n
By bringing the railway to life in this way, colleagues can test their skills, practice responding to different situations and build confidence with the support of trainers and peers before facing them in a live operational environment.<\/p>\n
Avanti West Coast\u2019s Learning and Development team can create content for display in the immersive space while utilising light, sound, scent and fans to simulate scenarios on platforms, concourses, and trackside during various weather types and times of day.<\/p>\n
The facility offers flexible and accessible learning by allowing colleagues to experience the realities of the job at the touch a button and receive immediate feedback on how they respond. This helps staff to feel more prepared, gain a better understanding of customers\u2019 needs and build confidence in dealing with challenges.<\/p>\n
Immerse is not limited to training customer facing or operational roles, it will also be used to test new ideas and consider innovative approaches to stations or onboard trains before being introduced in a live operational environment.<\/p>\n
Avanti West Coast has worked with Immersive Interactive (the UK\u2019s leading provider of interactive classrooms and virtual simulation spaces) to develop the learning hub as part of its commitment to improve learning experiences for its colleagues and deliver a better experience for customers.<\/p>\n
The opening of Immerse marks the latest investment by the intercity operator in digital learning. It follows the rollout of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools which help colleagues develop technical skills, such as train dispatch, as well as behavioural skills needed to support customers.<\/p>\n