By the successful implementation the project achieved the following results and objectives: 1. Development of innovative training tools and adaption of vocational education and training according to defined labor market needs in the food industry. 2. Encouragement of the development of sustainable and safe practices through virtual reality vocational training. 3. Developed attractive virtual training sessions courses. 4. Raised attractiveness of the food sector at the European level. 5. Encourage and facilitate European mobility in the food industry. The VIRTUALITY project addressed these key needs by having developed innovative digital training tools based on virtual reality, specifically targeting the food industry. The project contributed to increasing the attractiveness of vocational training and the food sector overall, while also facilitating European mobility within the industry through standardized, transferable training.
The key needs that the VIRTUALITY addressed were: 1. Skills shortages in the European food and drink industry: The industry is facing large-scale skills shortages, with companies reporting the need to upskill employees in digital technologies and automation. There is a need for more polyvalent and digitally-skilled workers who can adapt quickly to new processes and tools. 2. Modernization of vocational training in the food sector: To meet the evolving skills needs, vocational training in the food industry needs to be further developed and modernized to appeal to younger learners. Traditional training methods may not be sufficient. 3. Lack of attractiveness of the food sector: The food industry suffers from an image problem, with young people often unaware of the diverse career opportunities it offers. This contributes to recruitment difficulties. 4. Need for accelerated and effective training: The food industry requires efficient training methods that can rapidly onboard and upskill workers, reducing training time and errors. Virtual reality training has the potential to meet these needs. The VIRTUALITY project addressed these key needs by having developed innovative digital training tools based on virtual reality.