Efficiency in Occupational Skills and Safety Training For a Multicultural Workforce in the Building Industry: A Comparative Study

The study focuses on exploring the effectiveness of various training modalities, including pictorial, video and virtual reality, in safety training for a multicultural workforce, specifically in the context of solar panel cleaning processes. Drawing on cognitive load theory and Kolb's learning cycle, the research aims to enhance self-efficacy and knowledge retention despite language barriers. The research questions center on learning modalities, working memory, information retention, self-efficacy, and real-world work performance, addressing the gap in safety training for multicultural workers in the building industry.
By comparing the impact of different training modalities on learning outcomes, the study found that virtual reality training led to higher self-efficacy and task value scores, even with increased workload demand. However, no significant differences were observed in self-efficacy, task value and workload demand between the pictorial, video, and virtual reality training modalities. The research underscores the importance of addressing language barriers and different learning styles in safety training effectiveness, emphasizing the benefits of using pictorial aids, vide, and virtual reality technology. The research underscores Virtual Reality’s role in boosting training retention and engagement.
The study's methodology involved six participants, randomly assigned to different training groups, with a focus on the solar panel cleaning process. The evaluation of training modalities was based on their effectiveness in improving knowledge retention and skill development. The findings suggest the need for further research to explore the long-term effects and scalability of virtual reality training in safety training across various industries, shedding light onto the role of cognitive load theory in information processing within safety training contexts.