How Immersive Technologies Are Revolutionizing Workforce Training and Closing the Skills Gap

The way we learn is changing. In today’s fast-paced job market, how we learn is as critical as what we learn, and immersive technologies—powered by AR, VR, and MR—are leading this transformation. These tools address the growing skills gap by offering dynamic, hands-on, and scalable training solutions that traditional methods simply can’t match.

From risk-free simulations to real-world scenario practice, immersive technologies prepare employees for the challenges of a rapidly evolving workforce.

In this blog, we’ll explore how these innovations are reshaping training and delivering measurable results for organizations worldwide.

Addressing the Growing Skills Gap

The modern job market is changing faster than ever. The required skill sets for jobs have shifted by 25% since 2015, and this number is expected to double by 2027 (LinkedIn). This increasing demand leaves companies grappling with a growing skills gap. 

This is largely due to shifts in workforce demands. As organisations prepare for 2025, the following learning and development trends emerge as key: 

1. 1. Foster organisational agility,
2. 2. Prioritise continual learning,
3. 3. Upskilling and reskilling for the future,
4. 4. Deliver employee-centric learning experiences and,
5. 5. Leverage new sources of training content.

Employees are acutely aware of these shifts. 66% of U.S. workers feel they need to acquire new skills to advance in their roles, while 41% planned to leave their employers in 2024 if training opportunities weren’t available (TalentLMS). 

As 77% of companies struggle to fill roles, it’s clear that traditional training approaches need a significant makeover to become more dynamic and effective to fill this gap (ManpowerGroup).

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Immersive Technologies: The Future of Training 

In 2025, immersive training solutions - powered by Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) - are becoming game-changers. These technologies offer dynamic, risk-free, hands-on learning experiences that traditional methods simply can’t replicate. 

Take the following example: At a hazardous asphalt site, workers can use immersive learning tools to safely familiarise themselves with the environment. A virtual simulation replicates key elements, such as mixing drums, silos, and high-temperature equipment, along with potential hazards like spills or malfunctions. They practice safety protocols, emergency responses, and navigation, receiving real-time feedback to build confidence—all without facing real-world risks or disrupting site operations.

By simulating both routine procedures and rare emergencies, immersive technologies sharpen skills and prepare employees to handle high-pressure situations with precision.

Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical environments or systems—play a pivotal role here. They provide a highly accurate, interactive learning environment where employees can practice decision-making, troubleshooting, and operational tasks. Digital twins enable learners to experiment with various outcomes in a controlled setting, enhancing retention and fostering creative problem-solving.

Organisations are taking notice. Simulations accounted for 46% of intended training purchases in 2025, compared to just 11% for traditional methods like presentation software (2024 Training Industry Report).

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Why Now? 

Recent advancements in AR, VR, and digital twin technologies are making immersive solutions more accessible and effective:

• * AR technologies integrate digital information into real-world environments through mobile devices, enhancing real-time workflows.‍
• * VR headsets now offer better resolutions, motion tracking, and interactivity at lower costs.‍
• * Digital twins bring unprecedented realism to immersive learning, offering detailed simulations of physical spaces, processes, and systems.

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Organisations adopting digital twin-enabled immersive training report higher retention rates, reduced errors, and better outcomes. These tools bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring employees are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

The immersive technology market reflects this trend. Valued at $40.88 billion in 2024, it’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.9% from 2025 to 2030, with training applications leading the charge (Grand View Research).

Personalized, Engaging, and Effective Training

Modern employees demand training that is relevant, engaging, and flexible. Immersive technologies meet these demands by creating interactive scenarios that mimic real-life challenges, fostering better engagement and retention.

Digital twins take this a step further by enabling hyper-personalized learning experiences. Employees can explore specific scenarios relevant to their roles, practice tasks, and receive immediate feedback. This tailored approach ensures employees acquire the skills they need most, boosting confidence and productivity.

Moreover, immersive training addresses the shortcomings of traditional methods. While 43% of employees find formal training ineffective (Axonify), experiential learning has proven far more impactful. Employees gain 70% of their skills on the job, underscoring the importance of realistic, hands-on training environments (Docebo).

Organizations adopting AR-based solutions report tangible benefits. For example, using digital twin-based AR for maintenance workflows can reduce troubleshooting time by 54%, cutting downtime and boosting ROI (Treedis Ashdod Port Case Study).

Cost Efficiency and Scalability

Though immersive technologies might seem costly upfront, they offer significant long-term benefits. Companies save on travel, facilities, and equipment costs—a category that declined from $28.7 billion in 2023 to $25 billion in 2024 (Training Magazine). 

Additionally, no-code software solutions make immersive training scalable and cost-effective, empowering learning and development teams to create interactive experiences quickly without technical expertise.

Top 5 Companies Offering Immersive Training Solutions 

1. 1. Treedis: A SaaS platform providing VR, AR, and digital twin solutions for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
2. 2. Strivr: Focused on VR training for operational efficiency and safety.
3. 3. FundamentalVR: Virtual reality surgical training for healthcare professionals. 
4. 4. Mursion: VR simulations for workplace interpersonal skills development.
5. 5. Virti: An XR, VR, and AI platform enhancing performance in sectors like healthcare and education

The Bottom Line

As skills gaps widen and employee expectations evolve, companies must rethink their training strategies. Immersive technologies offer an effective, engaging, and scalable solution to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce. 

The question isn’t whether you can afford to adopt immersive training solutions—it’s whether you can afford not to.

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