Battery Boost: Training Talent for Jobs That Didn’t Exist Yet

When a new industry arrives, the biggest challenge is not only building the facility, it is preparing the people who will run it. That was the challenge behind Battery Boost, a training program created to help hundreds of workers prepare for battery manufacturing roles before the plant was even fully operational

In our webinar series, Webinar #13, Ed Dawson from Invest Windsor Essex, along with Michael Rosas, Ed Martin, and Anna Cárdenas from Virtualware, and Alberto Galier as host have presented the results of this real-world use case

It is a powerful example of how immersive learning can support large-scale workforce development. By combining classroom learning, e-learning, simulation, and XR, the program helped train 452 participants and exceeded its original target of 400.

Battery Boost was built to support the launch of NextStar Energy’s battery manufacturing operations in Windsor-Essex, Ontario. The region needed to prepare talent for roles that did not yet exist locally, and it had to do so on a tight timeline.

For Invest Windsor Essex, the challenge was both strategic and practical: attract a major new industry to the region while ensuring the workforce was ready from day one.  That meant moving quickly, coordinating multiple partners, and finding a training model that could scale.

Why XR was the right solution for training

The program’s success came from a blended learning approach, with XR playing a central role in the most demanding parts of the training. Learners were able to experience a virtual twin of part of the plant floor and practice real scenarios in a safe environment before entering the physical workplace.

This mattered especially for health and safety training. Participants could rehearse responses to situations such as fires or chemical spills, repeat the exercises, and build confidence without real-world risk. In a manufacturing context where safety is critical, that kind of preparation is especially valuable

How Battery Boost scaled training for hundreds of workers

One of the most important achievements of Battery Boost was throughput. The program was designed to train large groups efficiently, not just individual learners. The viewer room and XR setup helped create a centralized training experience that connected lectures, simulations, and immersive practice in one workflow.

That flexibility also allowed instructors to adapt the program to different learning styles. Some participants needed more time in e-learning, while others learned best through immersive exercises. The result was a more engaging and effective training journey for everyone involved

The XR training program results: 452 participants trained

 The program trained 452 participants, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The webinar highlighted that 96% of participants rated the experience positively and 95% would recommend it to others.paste.txt

Beyond the numbers, the program also helped prepare people for real job performance. Trainers and supervisors observed that participants who went through Battery Boost were more confident, more prepared, and better able to spot risks on the plant floor.

How XR can help solve workforce challenges

Battery Boost is a strong example of how XR can help solve workforce challenges in industries that are evolving quickly. It is especially relevant when training must be safe, scalable, measurable, and closely aligned with real operations.

For organizations facing a similar challenge, the message is clear: immersive training is more than a technology showcase. It can be a practical tool for accelerating readiness, improving confidence, and preparing people for the jobs of the future.

Contact us to explore how VIROO can support workforce training at scale.

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