Rail · KiwiRail
KiwiRail: 25% more practical learning time, with VR.
A VR training suite with 23 interactive activities for KiwiRail’s Yard and Locomotive Engineer programmes, so trainees can practise without waiting for live wagons and locomotives.
The moment that mattered
Too few wagons, too many trainees.
Trainees had limited access to live wagons and locomotives, so hands-on practice was scarce, and classroom-heavy training left practical gaps that could lead to safety risks. With rail freight set to grow and an ongoing workforce shortage, KiwiRail needed a scalable way to build real-world skills without disrupting operations or needing constant supervision.
What they needed
- Hands-on training without tying up live locomotives or yards
- Better safety and competency through repeatable scenarios
- Less reliance on trainers, with self-directed learning
- Training that adapts and scales as needs change
What we built
A virtual yard and locomotive, any time.
A VR suite covering yard operations, locomotive handling and emergencies, with self-directed practice and instant performance feedback. Learners take turns on the real asset in the yard and the virtual asset in the classroom.
How it works
Virtual yard and locomotive
Simulations for yard operations, locomotive handling and emergencies, without taking stock out of service.
Self-directed, with feedback
Trainees practise on their own and get instant feedback, so trainers’ time goes further.
Built to scale
Deployable across locations, and adaptable as the curriculum changes.
What changed
More practice, sooner, and safer.
Learners now take turns on the real asset in the yard and the virtual asset in the classroom, so practical time has gone up without adding rolling stock.
- Greater access to yard operations, locomotive handling and emergencies
- Confidence built in a controlled environment, reducing real-world incidents
- Faster progress to competency through interactive practice
“With the introduction of Virtual Reality, we are able to increase the time for practical learning by 25% with learners taking turns on the practical asset in the Yard and the virtual assets in the classroom.”KiwiRail, Statement of Corporate Intent 2022
Built with
The platform phases
23 VR activities built in Fix and delivered to classrooms in Deliver.
Awards
- LearnX Diamond, Best VR Hard Skills TrainingKiwiRail Driver Suite
- LearnX Diamond, Best Blended (VR and Online)KiwiRail Basic Radio
- AITD Excellence Awards, two winsAirbrake and Mechanical Driver Training; Infrastructure Wagons
- Australasian Rail Industry Awards, Highly CommendedWith KiwiRail and Aurizon
- Two LearnX Diamond awardsBest XR Training: VR Hard Skills and VR Industry Specific
Know it’s right.Know they’re ready.