Dive Brief:
- A more modern way of training in the restaurant business has been rolled out by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), according to a press release. The program utilizes virtual reality to give trainees hands-on experience before they begin cooking for guests in the real world.
- Called "The Hard Way – a KFC Virtual Training Escape Room", the VR training takes training employees through the five main steps that the Colonel created 70 years ago, with his avatar providing tips along the way. Successful learners are treated to a secret kitchen level where they learn the secrets to KFC recipes.
- KFC plans to use VR simulations as a way to supplement their employee cook training program, called the Chicken Mastery Certification. The VR component was developed in partnership with W+K Lodge, Wieden+Kennedy's creative technology group.
Dive Insight:
As more organizations recognize the value of virtual reality and gamification in learning, more companies will step up to create their own customized learning programs. Studies have shown the effectiveness in using participatory learning to help employees grasp new ideas and processes. Learning by doing, even in a virtual world, improves information retention so that employees are more prepared when they start working in a store.
The advantages of VR are many, including the ability to learn in a controlled and safe environment, with direct guidance from instructors or AI-enabled characters. Employees tend to have more fun, which further increases the chance they will learn.
