Virtual reality is increasingly finding a niche in training environments, whether it’s helping workers get to grips with new machinery or helping us deliver a killer presentation.
A new project from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory is using it to help veterans settle back into civilian life and find new employment. The project, called Virtual Training Agent for Veterans, or VITA4VETS, consists of a virtual simulation system that provides realistic interview simulations for veterans.
The transition from military to civilian life is notoriously challenging, and finding new work, and therefore purpose in life can be extremely difficult. VITA4VETS aims to help by honing the veteran’s interviewing skills.
“Answering questions with a virtual human rather than a real human helped me feel less nervous, and I could practice different responses and there were no repercussions with the avatar,” one participant said.
Making the transition
It’s estimated that over 450,000 veterans are unemployed in the US alone, and whilst transition training is provided, the statistics suggest that more could be done to ease veterans back into civilian life.
“Although many veterans have the necessary talent and temperament for vocational achievement, they may find it challenging to express the ways in which their skills and experience are able to translate to the private sector,” the project team say.
The program uses six characters that are designed to span the various ages, ethnicity and genders you might encounter in the workplace. They even have three distinct personality types that users can choose from to experience different types of interview situations.
The idea is to allow users to progress through various challenges and have a customizable learning experience. Initial tests show that positive results are achieved, with users expressing increased confidence and higher job acquisition rates. Indeed an impressive 93% of veterans who had used the application obtained employment soon after.
“If focusing on one portion of said issue can provide any support to those that have served us, then it is one step closer to better assisting the overall transition process,” the team say.
The system is currently available through U.S. VETS in Los Angeles.
