In recent years, gamification has emerged as a dynamic tool in various industries, including manufacturing and engineering, to enhance workforce training. The concept involves integrating game-like elements into training programs to make learning more engaging and effective. This approach leverages competition, point scoring, and rules of play to motivate employees to engage more deeply with training content.
During Made in Group’s most recent Monthly Industry Meetup, Sam Sleight of Made in Yorkshire hosted a virtual roundtable discussion which saw several industry professionals share their insights on the application and potential of gamification in their respective fields.
The Generational Appeal of Gamification
Emma Armitage, Managing Director of Excel Water highlighted the generational appeal of gamification. As younger employees enter the workforce, there is a growing expectation for more interactive and digital forms of learning. As her company focuses on water treatment systems, the challenge often lies in training staff on predictive maintenance and equipment handling. Emma noted that the traditional approach to training, which might include video tutorials, could be enhanced by gamification to cater to the learning styles of newer, younger employees. The interactive nature of gamified training could ensure that knowledge is not only absorbed but retained over the long term through creative periodical impromptu digital assessments.
This sentiment was echoed by Allan Joyce, Managing Director of Balmoral Tanks. He recognises a generational shift in how employees engage with training materials. Allan emphasised the need for his company to embrace newer, more engaging methods like gamification to keep up with technological advancements and training needs. Even though neither Emma or Allan currently utilise gamification in their respective company’s training programmes, both demonstrated their appetite to learn more about this topic, with the view to making positive changes to new and existing employee’s training experiences.
Like Allan said during the discussion, “We do a lot, but sometimes, it’s good just to remind yourself that you can always learn something from somebody”. These kinds of attitudes epitomise the shared values of the open-minded and forward-thinking business leaders Made in Group work with.
The Benefits that Gamification can Bring
Also in attendance was Tom Harris of Wavenet. Tom shared a successful case of implementing gamification in training at his Cyber Security solutions business. Wavenet uses gamified elements to train employees on recognising and responding to cyber threats. The company has seen a significant reduction in the number of employees falling for phishing attempts after introducing gamified training modules. This approach not only made the training process more fun and engaging, but also allowed for healthy competition between departments and made it easier for senior management to record progress and identify areas for improvement.
Online Platforms
Made in the Midlands member, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, who are also looking to enhance their internal training through gamification, contributed to the discussion. In response to Sam Sleight bringing Mambo.IO to the group’s attention (as a platform highly recommended for gamification in training within industry), Simon Davis, Engineering Apprenticeship Practitioner talked the group through his positive experience with the platform, Kahoot. The midlands based vocational assessor recommended this platform but expressed a keen interest in exploring more sophisticated gamification techniques to enhance learning outcomes in engineering education.
Utilising VR
One major OEM that is reaping the rewards of advanced gamification in training is JCB. The construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer effectively integrated gamification into
their staff training program a while ago. Along with JLR, JCB are using advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR) to ensure staff training is as streamlined and safe as possible. By leveraging VR simulations, JCB has created immersive training environments that closely replicate real-world scenarios. This innovative approach allows employees to engage in lifelike situations, such as operating heavy machinery, in a completely safe and controlled setting. The VR simulations enable trainees to practise and master the controls and procedures necessary for their roles without the risks associated with handling actual equipment.
The use of gamified training at JCB has proven to be highly effective in reducing the time required for new employees to reach proficiency in machinery operation. By providing a hands-on, interactive learning experience, the company has not only accelerated skill acquisition but also significantly enhanced the trainees; confidence in using complex machinery. This method ensures that employees are well-prepared before they transition to on-the-job training, leading to improved safety and productivity.
In Summary…
The breakout discussion underscored the potential of gamification as a transformative tool for training in the manufacturing and engineering industries. While some companies have already seen success with gamified training, others are just beginning to explore its possibilities. The consensus was clear: gamification offers a promising avenue for enhancing engagement, improving retention, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. As companies navigate the challenges of implementation, they are encouraged to share experiences and resources, fostering a collaborative approach to innovation in workforce training.
