O-I Glass using virtual reality to train apprentices

OI Glass has created a training and development centre at the Alloa-based plant, housing the VR head systems to instruct employees on how to safely use their equipment.

The training and development centre houses a classroom, VR training machine, FlexIS section and an IS training section.

The glassworks shared this news via a promotional video on their LinkedIn, showcasing their state-of-the-art equipment, which is an exact replica of what they will use on the shop floor.

This allows trainees and other visitors to the flat to learn how to safely operate the machinery in a stress-free environment before using the real thing.

Neil Finlayson, process development lead, said: “Virtual reality is a great thing, it allows our trainees, apprentices, customers or any visitors to the plant to interact with the machine, in a purely safe environment.

“We can’t create glass here, we can’t have that on the training session but in here we can see the gobs getting formed, we can see the feeder, we can put a cross section through the actual section.

“From that aspect, it’s invaluable.”

O-I Glass use the tailored learning space to instruct trainees on how to use the equipment they will use on a daily basis.

The classroom area has been highly rated by O-I, giving trainees everything they need with the exception of creating glass.

Neil added: “A lot going on in Alloa at the moment, various projects. The new 84 shop and hence, this new training department that we’ve now got together.

“It’s got all the facilities we need – it’s got the classroom, it’s got the virtual reality machine and we’ve also got the FlexIS and I.S. training section.

“We’ve got our classroom area to work, we’ll work through our modules, presentations and we can work through the blow/blow process and NNPB process, then we’ve got the practical side.

“So after talking about it, we come over here and work on the practical side. Whether it’s on the new FlexIS, or the O-I legacy section.”