There is a vast difference between what is written in theory and how it is actually practiced. Hence, the best way to improve proficiency among employees is to create a work culture where they are given hands-on experience of how things are done. Hands-on experience bridges the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge. The journey through this gap is what differentiates an outstanding employee from the rest.
One way organizations can offer hands-on experience is through simulation based training. This method engages employees by focusing on practical knowledge and learning things by doing them. In the article below, we will discuss how simulation training successfully bridges the skill gap. But before that, let us first understand what simulation training means.
What is Simulation Training?
Simulation training works by stimulating the brain to believe that an artificial, imaginary scenario is true. It involves replicating real-life work scenarios that provide employees with hands-on experience. Being present in these scenarios enables employees to practice different skills, improve their decision-making capabilities, and learn from their mistakes in a zero-risk environment. This benefits them by enhancing their skills and knowledge before applying them in a real-life scenario.
As we all know, every training program is built on four primary foundations, and they are:
- Audio: Learners rely on their auditory senses when learning something new. This involves listening to a lecture, talking to a colleague, participating in a group discussion, or repeating what they have learned.
- Read/ Write: Reading and writing have always been among the most effective ways to process information. Learners benefit from reading notes, writing them, or referring to notebooks.
- Kinesthetic: This involves learning through doing. It engages all the senses in the learning process for maximum understanding and retention.
- Visual: Visual aids such as graphs and video modules help develop photographic memory and recall what they have learnt better.
The best simulation training method uses all the aspects mentioned to provide an engaging and fruitful learning experience. So, how do all these aspects combine to bridge the skill gap? Let us find out.
Simulation Training for Bridging Skill Gap
Simulation training enables learners to apply the theories they have learned in a real-life scenario. For instance, we all know that soft skills are essential for every employee. But without applying our soft skills in reality, how are we going to improve them? Now, if you have hired a sales executive who is a fresher right out of college, they most likely don’t have any hands-on experience dealing with demanding clients. Here is where simulation training comes into play. Let us look at how it helps bridge the skill gap:
Helps Build Proficiency:
Incorporating simulation training into your Learning and Development programs can improve your employees’ proficiency. It helps prepare employees for complex work that requires a lot of practice.
Simulation training is based on the flywheel effect, which is based on the idea that small, consistent efforts over time build momentum. This leads to significant, self-sustaining growth similar to how a flywheel works. Simulation training builds momentum among the employees, helping them become great at what they do. So, they can excel in real-world situations by being consistent in their practice. As rightly said, one must walk before learning how to run. Hence, simulation training enables employees to learn how to “walk,” which provides them with “close to real” on-the-job experience. This will help them “run,” meaning they will be able to excel when a similar situation actually arises at work.
Combines Theory and Practice:
Simulation training enables stakeholders to offer multimodal training to employees. By combining theory and practice, learning becomes more engaging. You can create learning opportunities through simulation training, where employees are well prepared to face the real deal. This enhances the confidence of the learner, making them excel in their work and enabling them to work more intuitively based on their experience.
Simulation training is very beneficial if you have new employees in your organization. Most employees do have theoretical knowledge, but practical skills only come with experience. This skill gap prevents employees from taking bigger responsibilities at work. Hence, when you combine theory and practice through simulation training, you ensure each of your employees can work to their full potential.
Improves Decision-Making Capabilities:
Experience enables employees to make informed decisions. Simulation training allows learners to experience different scenarios and different circumstances, which in turn enables them to make better decisions.
When people have close experience of their day-to-day and special work-life scenarios, it becomes easier for them to make decisions. For instance, in the aviation industry, pilots receive simulation training, enabling them to be well prepared for their jobs. Pilots need to build adaptability and agility in order to succeed in their profession. Their job requires them to be on their feet and constantly develop creative problem-solving capabilities. This is made possible through simulation training that enables professionals to experience real-life situations and act upon them.
Enhances Contextual Understanding:
Most individuals learn better by doing rather than reading and listening. Simulation training allows employees to experience things practically, which enhances their contextual understanding and maximizes their knowledge retention capabilities. Safety and compliance are the top concerns for organizations.
Conducting training on complex topics such as the AB 1825 Law is crucial to safeguard the employees and the organization. Contextualizing these complex laws speeds up understanding, improves learning, and reduces the risk of mistakes.
Provides Immediate Feedback:
Simulation training allows employers to practice different skills in real time. As a consequence, supervisors can also provide immediate feedback to them. This enables learners to react to their mistakes and rectify them quickly, making learning quick and developing on-the-spot problem-solving.
Conclusion
When learners are offered hands-on experiences of the real deal, they build confidence that they will be able to solve them if they occur in real life. Most of the time, real-life situations don’t give you the liberty to rectify your mistakes. In fact, even one small mistake leads to serious consequences.
Simulation training is a great tool for preventing such situations from arising and ensuring that your employees are skilled enough to tackle any situation at the workplace. It enables employees to learn practically and apply their knowledge in a very real-life situation without consequences. The best part is that stakeholders can provide them with real-time feedback that helps them rectify their mistakes on the spot.
