Virtual Reality Forklift Simulators Expand Training Accessibility & Increase Workforce Pipeline

“We must prepare an up and coming workforce for these companies’ future needs while making sure that the existing workforce is educated on current and future technology.”

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - With the recent investment and installation of six virtual reality forklift simulators around the state, key supply chain and logistics training is now available to more Indiana high school students and workers throughout the state.

The initial investment was made through a partnership between the Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) and Ivy Tech Community College. This initiative supports two of the state’s largest industries - supply chain management and logistics.

“Indiana is leading the nation in manufacturing job growth and home to the second largest automotive industry in the nation,” said Sascha Harrell, director for education and workforce of IN-MaC. “We must prepare an up and coming workforce for these companies’ future needs while making sure that the existing workforce is educated on current and future technology.”

“Supply chain and logistics are two of the biggest industries in the state of Indiana. Indiana’s central location along with access to global markets is attracting an increasing number of companies to our state,” said Aaron Baute, vice president for Business, Logistics and Supply Chain, Ivy Tech Community College. “The certificates for completion of the forklift simulation are designed specifically for the supply chain and logistics fields.”

The desktop forklift simulator training has additional benefits including decreased risk, controlled environments, customized simulation scenarios, objective data evaluation and remote training opportunities. Because of efficiencies in the training and a controlled environment, 15 hours of simulator training can replace 45 hours of training on the operations floor.

ProLogistix, initiated their forklift simulator program in 2017, and after seeing the success of the simulators, purchased additional simulators for their workforce. Thanks to a five-day, training-to-work program with ProLogistix, the nation’s first and largest logistics workforce specialists and placement firm, more than 200 trainees have been placed in full-time positions.

“The battle we have across the country is finding training programs that industry partners recognize and that delivers a high level of detail and realism in material handling simulation models,” said Kristin Bevens, Division VP, ProLogistix. “Indiana is lucky to have this partnership in place.”

As supply chain and logistics workforce needs evolve, IN-MaC and Ivy Tech Community College continue to partner with private sector industry leaders to evaluate and implement innovative strategies to address these needs. To learn more about IN-MaC and its many programs, visit www.Purdue.edu/IN-MaC.

Photo "Virtual Reality Desktop Simulators" (attached): ProLogistix has four on-site virtual reality desktop simulators stationed at their Indianapolis office to train potential supply chain and logistics workers.

Photo "Virtual Reality Forklift Simulators" (attached): Virtual reality forklift simulator stationed at the Fiat Chrysler Tipton Transmission Plant located in the logistics training area for employees to access.