Learning by experience: using VR simulation for the intercultural competence development of manufacturing technicians

As global manufacturing industries expand, intercultural competence has become a critical skill for technicians working in diverse environments. This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) simulation training compared to traditional lecture-based methods for developing intercultural competence among manufacturing technician students. Participants in the virtual reality (VR) conditions (n=174) comleted immersive workplace simulations, whereas 26 participants underwent an eight-week lecture-based workplace communication course. The findings demonstrate that VR simulation training significantly enhanced participants’ behavioural openness and interpersonal communication skills. Furthermore, VR participants exhibited a recalibration of their self-assessment of intercultural awareness, reflecting a more nuanced and realistic understanding of their cultural competencies. In contrast, the lecture-based group showed no statistically significant changes across the measured dimensions, underscoring the limitations of passive learning methods. The findings suggest the potential of VR technology as a more innovative and effective tool for intercultural competence development. than pasive instructional approaches. The study contributes to emerging research on technology-enhanced workforce education by highlighting the advantages of VR as a scalable and cost-efficient solution for preparing technician workforce to navigate the global labour market and career development. These findings have significant implications for curriculum design and training strategies in higher education and professional development.