Learners use virtual reality to get a real feel for care work

This #GoodNewsFriday we hear how learners used virtual reality headsets to place themselves in lifelike care situations.

Learners on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Sector Based Work Academy Programme, led by Johanna Edwards at Sheffield College, had the opportunity to use cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) headsets from Care Reality - Home

Through VR, participants stepped into realistic care scenarios such as wound dressing, infection control, and clinical observations, giving them the chance to practise vital skills in a safe, immersive environment.

Feedback shows that learners left the programme feeling more confident, more capable, and better prepared to take their next steps into a career in health and social care.

Many highlighted how the training felt real, allowed them to practise safely without risk, and helped them learn faster compared to traditional methods.

As one learner put it: “It was much easier to understand infection control when I could see it in VR.”

Another explained: “The training boosted my confidence — I now feel ready to take on real tasks.”

Johanna Edwards also noted that learners weren’t just gaining knowledge — they were gaining self-belief. The combination of immersive simulation and hands-on practice meant that participants were ready to perform key care tasks in a controlled setting before transferring those skills into real workplaces.

This innovative use of VR highlights how investment in immersive education delivers tangible improvements in both skill acquisition and learner confidence.

The impact has been clear: learners were more confident, more engaged, and better prepared for real social care roles.

If you have a good news story to share email us marketing@skillsforcare.org.uk

Print this page