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Report/Research

A New Age of Career Readiness

XR technology is preparing U.S. workers for today's quality jobs and those of the future.
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January 10, 2024

At a Glance

XR technology is preparing U.S. workers for today’s quality jobs and those of the future. Here, we explore promising uses for XR in training workers across four industry sectors: health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Contributors
Lucy Fernandez Manager
Practices & Centers

Jobs for the Future (JFF) sees extended reality (XR) technology as a driver of equitable economic advancement for all. Training workers—especially frontline workers—on the job is one of the most promising uses for XR technology and contributes to quality jobs. Here, we explore promising uses for XR in training workers across four industry sectors: health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

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Key Findings:  

  1. Today, XR technology is accelerating readiness for quality jobs, and it offers continued promise for the future. 
  2. XR adoption is growing; 23M jobs worldwide will use XR technology by 2030.  
  3. Immersive learning improves learning retention. Retention rates skyrocket to 75% when learning through immersive simulations, as compared to lecture-style learning (5%) and reading (10%).  
  4. XR training can lower costs. Investing in training and reskilling costs less than hiring new workers.  
  5. Training in XR is growing, especially in some of the occupations that face challenges in hiring and training.  
  6. XR makes training accessible for learners and workers who face barriers to accessing high-quality training. 

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