Immersive Technologies in Manufacturing Training and Education in Australia

This study aimed to investigate the application and perceptions about the use of immersive technology-based training in manufacturing contexts. This study employed a quantitative approach surveying a total of 1000 manufacturing professionals in Australia regarding their perceptions of workplace training, as well as immersive-based training, using self-report questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling were employed for statistical analyses using R software. In the structural equation model, controlling for demographic variables, perceived benefits of workplace training were positively associated with positive anticipation, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use of immersive technologies in workplace training. In contrast, perceived value of learning through workplace training was associated only with perceived ease of use of immersive technologies in workplace training. This study suggests general optimistic views toward immersive workplace training in the Australian manufacturing sector, particularly the extent to which they perceive workplace training as beneficial rather than aligned with individuals’ value. Given the ongoing need for continuous skill development in manufacturing, the increasing reliance on immersive technologies for training purposes, and promising outcomes associated with such approaches, increasing acceptance of immersive technology-based training warrants consideration.