Building skills in virtual reality: how NCG is preparing students for the world of work

At Digifest 2025, Rob Wraith, head of learning technologies and digital learning at NCG, shared how colleges across the group use virtual reality (VR) and virtual environments to enhance student employability skills.

A big part of the adoption of digital tools at NCG was the introduction of virtual environments and VR into areas such as construction, plumbing, plastering, and nursing. Giving students the opportunity to experience these technical  environments via a virtual environment and VR scenario meant avoiding on-site visits, which are often difficult to arrange and loaded with necessary safety concerns that take time and paperwork to overcome.

Speaking with Rob about the work the group has done, he said:

“It meant the students could go out as if they were on an apprenticeship, being trusted but in a very safe, virtual environment, and they really took ownership of it.

"It also meant if the students struggled with a particular scenario we could run it again the following week without having to get out into a physical space.”

Rob was keen to emphasise that innovation is possible without needing a huge budget. When he and his team initially looked into using VR, it was to see what was possible, whether it was actually viable, and whether the students would be interested at all.

They started by purchasing Metaverse learning resources for just one of the group’s seven colleges: Carlisle College, as a trial. The team focused on creating flexible virtual environments that could be loaded onto any PC or mobile device so that students could start to explore and interact with the technology on more familiar devices. Some environments had a QR code included which also allowed for the use of augmented reality (AR).

Construction sites, hospitals and more

Starting with building and construction courses, students used QR codes within the Metaverse Learning resources to present them with a selection of augmented bricks, which they could view within any room at any time. When the virtual environment scenarios were introduced into plastering lessons in particular, it supported this apprenticeship provision in gaining a 100% achievement rate.

NCG also introduced virtual environments for nursing students, allowing them to interact with patients, listening to their needs and selecting the answers for the next steps that should be taken. Health and social care scenarios were made available too, another area that really helped students to develop necessary skills in these settings. Rob said:

“We were able to put students virtually into environments we couldn't physically get into without it being really difficult logistically, and that's where we really saw the most value.”

Rob also said that ensuring students had access to virtual environments rather than just VR headsets was vital.

“Not everybody likes to wear a virtual reality headset, whether that's because they find them too heavy, too uncomfortable or whatever their reasons. With the virtual environment, students can use it at home and we can use it in class.”

Students responded positively, saying they valued learning in realistic, practical settings. They appreciated having the freedom to work through scenarios at their own pace and the option to repeat them if needed - a more supportive, confidence-building alternative to relying solely on textbooks or having to ask for help.

Ensuring that not only students, but staff too were comfortable and upskilled using the new technology was also a necessary focus for Rob and his team. Lecturers from all curriculum areas across the group were supported with the adoption of this technology, providing them with confidence.

“Our plumbing lecturer is a plumber by trade, that's what he does. He's starting to include the VR and VE environments within delivery as he could really see the value, and that was the key, being able to see the real benefits it offered to the students and the staff.”

For others in the sector who may be yet to dip their toes into a virtual world, Rob’s advice would be to start small and focus on one curriculum area before pushing the technology out to others. He also said that, being patient and building staff confidence slowly was a key component of making it a success at NCG.

Sharing ideas

Rob said sharing stories of work like this with colleagues across the sector and learning about what others are doing is one of the key reasons he finds Digifest such a valuable event year after year.

“For me, that's what Digifest is all about. You have the opportunity to mix with people, find out a little bit more about what others are doing, share ideas with colleagues, because there's such an eclectic mix of things being done. There’s a real demand too for people to find out more about the latest technology and everything else that goes with it, which is great.”

For anyone who hasn’t been to Digifest before but is considering it for 2026, Rob said:

“Go for the networking opportunities and the chance to share ideas with colleagues who are in the same position as you. I'm looking forward to being there again because I really think it's the highlight of the year.”