Virtual reality training for returned migrants

Virtual reality training for returned migrants

Transforming training and fostering reintegration into the labour market

According to the World Economic Forum, leading countries in technological innovation and vocational training such as Germany and Japan have already incorporated VR in technical and industrial centres. This trend points to more dynamic and effective teaching methods that prepare the workforce for the challenges of the future, consolidating VR as an indispensable tool in training.

Beyond efficiency, virtual reality breaks down physical and economic barriers, promoting labour inclusion by facilitating access to training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, returned migrants and other vulnerable groups. It also empowers participants for an increasingly digitalised labour market, where adaptability to new technologies is essential.

A prime example of this transformation is the Perspectivas project in El Savador, which has connected returned migrants to employment opportunities by strengthening their technical skills and improving their future prospects.

Conducting this type of training with virtual reality demonstrates how international cooperation and technological innovation can address the challenges of human mobility and build more inclusive societies.

VR - a growing trend

A recent report by technology consultancy Gartner supports this trend, projecting that the global VR training market will grow by 27% annually until 2027, underlining its role as a driver of change in vocational training worldwide.

With Perspectivas, we are providing VR training to return migrants who bring home knowledge and experience gained abroad. Immersive, hands-on learning experiences that simulate real work scenarios facilitate the development of technical and soft skills in a safe and controlled environment.

In addition, VR reduces costs associated with materials and physical spaces, making it a sustainable and accessible option for expanding training opportunities and improving the employability of beneficiaries.

Strengthening the job profile

Key skills developed through virtual reality training include:

• Spatial thinking: key to visualising and manipulating objects in 3D, an essential skill in fields such as design, engineering and maintenance.
• Adaptability: interaction with diverse virtual scenarios strengthens the ability to adapt to new environments and technologies.
• Problem-solving skills: by facing simulated challenges, effective decision-making and analytical skills are enhanced.

Virtual reality not only optimises technical training, but also empowers people to face the challenges of today's labour market. As an eco-friendly, efficient and versatile tool, it offers ample opportunities for returned migrants, contributing to the development of a more competitive and sustainable workforce.

The PERSPECTIVAS project in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras is financed by the German Development Cooperation through the KFW Development Bank, implemented by the Secretariat for Central American Social Integration with the support of Swisscontact, within the framework of the partnership between the Federal Republic of Germany and the SICA Region.