Workforce Development
Over the next decade, the physical and digital worlds will merge on an unprecedented scale. This trend, which the World Economic Forum has called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, will impact every sector from manufacturing to health care, from education to public safety. As economies evolve to match this new pace of innovation, it will be important that the workforce has the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century economy.
Already, workers are increasingly expected to upgrade their skills quickly and efficiently throughout their careers—particularly in industries like auto and energy, where generations of technology outpace generations of workers. Immersive technology has immense potential to equip the workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of work. Use of XR technology allows on-site training, aids in learning retention, and improves collaboration. XR technology can help expand access to cutting-edge training in underserved or under-resourced areas and help ensure that all workers are given a chance to succeed.
To help meet these demands, the XR Association is proud to support the “Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2023” (H.R. 3211), introduced by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI). This bill would establish a grant program to support community colleges and career and technical education centers to develop programs for workforce development using immersive technology. This legislation recognizes the important role immersive technology will play in supporting workforce development across all sectors.
XRA encourages Congress to help future-proof the American workforce by passing the “Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2023”.