City of Cape Town Electrical Training
City of Cape Town virtual reality (VR) electrical training, Western Cape, South Africa
In June 2019, Zutari was commissioned by the City of Cape Town’s Energy and Climate Change Directorate – Training to develop a virtual reality (VR) training simulation that teaches students how to safely switch off a high-voltage (HV) substation. This is incredibly dangerous work, so strict processes are in place to mitigate health and safety concerns.
VR provides an incredible opportunity to train new operators in a safe but lifelike environment. Painstaking care was taken to capture every detail in the simulation; from the panels with the switches, indicator lights and monitors, to the document operators would need to have with them on site to conduct a switching operation. Even the language used between the operator and the control centre is replicated.
Feedback from operators and students has been overwhelmingly positive. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using VR for training. Not only is it a cost saving exercise compared to traditional training methods (in this context), the level of immersion that it enables creates an unparalleled opportunity to train quickly and effectively, while at the same time familiarising students with the equipment and actual places in which they will be working.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using VR for training.
*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020. Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.
