ABOUT VIRTUAL REALITY
At First Step Trust, we harness the power of Virtual Reality (VR) to create safe, immersive, and accessible training experiences. Using Meta Quest Pro headsets, our programmes give staff, volunteers, and community members the opportunity to learn and upskill in industries such as automotive mechanics, health and safety, food safety, and construction.
We see Virtual Reality as a way to help learners overcome their learning difficulties. VR allows learners to learn in a realistic and interactive environment, instead of a traditional classroom.
Over the last few years, FST has developed a range of accessible and bespoke VR training programmes to help disadvantaged learners access the opportunities that VR technology can offer.
Learners can try out skills in a safe way and practice as often as they like, without worrying about getting it wrong or being judged for the pace they learn at.
Fun fact: You are more likely to retain and understand information through this type of practical learning compared to reading or classroom teaching! For employers, VR brings the added benefits of allowing people to train safely, without requiring hands-on supervision by specialist staff, and with lower environmental costs.
HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH A TWIST
Our VR programmes are designed around real-world, practical tasks. VR allows a learner to step into a realistic garage to practise tyre fitting, explore a commercial kitchen to learn food stock rotation, or operate a JCB digger on a construction site.
For Health & Safety training, our flexible workbook is available both on paper and in VR, making it accessible for different learning styles––no need to worry about reading or writing barriers.
FROM VIRTUAL TO REALITY
The experience doesn’t end in VR. Skills learned are reinforced alongside qualified professionals at our sites, including our social enterprise, SMaRT Garages, ensuring training translates into real workplace opportunities.
CREDENTIALS THAT MATTER
Exclusive to Our Virtual Garage© VR programmes, VR training offers people the chance to earn Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Certificates of Personal Development and Achievement––you’ll also become an IMI member. These accredited certificates will showcase your skills and make you stand out to potential employers or help you into college.
OPEN TO ALL
Our programmes are tailored to support people who are neurodiverse, living with mental health challenges, hidden disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD, long-term conditions, or who may learn in non-traditional ways. We only advise against VR use for individuals with epilepsy.