Rentokil, a global leader in pest control, partnered with Luminous to create a ground-breaking solution that transformed how pest management is approached and helped people understand exactly what’s involved in a typical day for a Rentokil technician.
This project resulted in a virtual pest control training platform utilizing XR (extended reality) technologies.
The experience allowed recruits to access tasks, select the correct tools for the job and visit different locations that required pest control.
Technicians need to be exposed to a wide range of environments and pest types, which was not only logistically difficult but also poses safety risks and it’s important to highlight this to new recruits in a way that was not possible before, with VR training.
Luminous, with its expertise in XR technology, stepped in to address these challenges by designing a highly interactive virtual training program. Through VR (virtual reality), Rentokil’s trainees and potential recruits could enter realistic 3D environments that simulated pest control scenarios. This allowed technicians to practice identifying pests, learn how to use tools, and rehearse various control methods in a controlled and risk-free setting.
What are the benefits of VR training?
Improved Learning Retention
Research indicates that immersive learning leads to higher retention rates compared to traditional training methods. By simulating real-life scenarios, trainees can engage with content in a deeper, more meaningful way, leading to better retention of information and skills.
Reduced Training Costs
Investing significant resources in arranging on-site training sessions, which includes travel costs, accommodation, and equipment setup can be costly. With a virtual training platform, businesses drastically cut down these expenses, while also reducing downtime for their workforce.
Increased Safety
Technicians can practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment before they ever enter a real-world situation. This reduces the risks associated with live training and ensures that technicians are better prepared when they do go into the field.
Faster Onboarding
New hires can be trained more quickly and effectively, as a virtual platform allows them to get hands-on experience from day one. This reduces the time-to-proficiency for new technicians and means companies can meet their staffing needs more efficiently.
Environmental Sustainability
As virtual training programs eliminate the need for physical travel and reduce the reliance on consumable training materials, businesses can meet their sustainability goals, lowering company carbon footprint.
Future Potential: Scaling XR Solutions Across Industries
The success of the virtual pest control training has opened the door to further applications of XR technologies within Rentokil. This includes potentially expanding the platform to include augmented reality (AR) tools for field technicians, which would allow them to access real-time data and guidance while they are out in the field. Moreover, this success story offers a compelling blueprint for other industries seeking to improve training efficiency and safety through immersive technologies.
XR-based learning can be applied to a range of sectors like construction, logistics, and manufacturing, where traditional training methods are often expensive, time-consuming, and pose safety risks. Rentokil’s adoption of this technology demonstrates the power of XR in transforming not only training but also operational excellence.
Want to see how XR training can be used for onboarding, training and improving safety?