Experience Apprenticeships Up Close: Discovering the Working World of Aurubis in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality as a bridge to apprenticeships

As part of the VHLB, we developed a virtual showroom with interactive VR games for Aurubis. It gives young people and anyone interested in an apprenticeship an authentic look at different occupations. The goal is not just to explain the work, but to let people actively experience it.

The VR application combines real 360° and 180° videos from Aurubis plants with interactive simulations. The result is an immersive experience in which users step right into the daily work routine and take on typical tasks themselves.

Three trades, three exciting missions

It all starts with an introductory video that shows the different areas of the plant and ends in the control center. There, visitors are welcomed and can choose between three tasks:

• Process technologist: A sample must be taken at the furnace.
• Electronics technician: A sensor or pump is causing a malfunction and needs to be checked.
• Chemical production technician: A sample is due to be taken in the sulfur processing unit.

Each storyline begins with a real 360° scene in which Aurubis employees explain the situation and ask users for help. Users then switch to a virtual simulation in which they complete the task themselves, step by step.

Process technologist: concentration and precision required

At the furnace, the task is to take a material sample properly. The virtual environment is modeled on the real footage shown beforehand, so users recognize it immediately.

The task involves several steps, from preparation and sampling to measurement. It takes a delicate touch and attention. After completing it successfully, users are praised for their work by an Aurubis employee and receive more information about the occupation.

Electronics technician: finding and fixing faults

In the second scenario, users have to fix a problem with a pump that is drawing too much current. In an interactive simulation, they learn the basic steps: measure, lock out, disconnect the cables, replace the motor, reconnect it, and check that it works.

The simplified presentation conveys the typical tasks of the trade in a playful way and shows how varied and hands-on an electronics technician’s workday is.

Chemical production technician: analyses in a virtual lab

Future chemical production technicians also get a realistic task. In a virtual plant environment, they take a sample by attaching a bottle, operating valves, securing the sample, cleaning up, and then analyzing it.

Clear instructions guide them through each step and provide an easy introduction to the workflows of a chemical production plant.

Modern, hands-on career guidance

Combining real video footage with interactive VR simulations creates an experience that goes far beyond traditional information materials. Interested young people not only get a look at the working environment, but can also try out typical tasks themselves and actively get to know the different apprenticeship trades.

In this way, Aurubis makes career guidance tangible, sparks interest in technical apprenticeships, and shows in an innovative way what exciting prospects an apprenticeship at the company offers.