Lanes Group: Smart Training Module

Immersive

Collaboration

Training

Introduction

Lanes Group, which manages a 68,000-mile wastewater network for Thames Water, wanted to find a way to fast-track the training of its maintenance teams – by immersing them in life-like scenarios.

We worked with them to create a smart training facility based on a custom-built 7-metre cylinder.

In batches of 15 people at a time, new recruits are able to interact with more than 40 training films. Since the introduction of the Igloo, Lanes has reported on more effective training and improved retention of new recruits.

In 2019, we returned to Lanes to undertake an in-depth case study exploring the benefits of the Shared VR system as part of the company’s wider Health & Safety and Learning & Development initiatives – you can read it here.

As a result of choosing igloo, Lanes reported:

57% reduction

in Employee Attrition

9% reduction

in employee feelings of unhappiness

£1m reduction

in recruitment and training costs

“With the Igloo, you get that group feel, so you get to engage with other members of your team, you can see their reactions, and you discuss things as you go through the programmes. I think that’s the reason why the Igloo really works.”

Andrew MacCuish
Head of HSQE, Lanes Group

“If your people are expected to work in a high-risk environment, and you need them to be aware of their surroundings, this is the perfect way to get them up to speed.”

James Brewer
Learning & Development Specialist, Lanes Group

“Traditionally, staff induction and training has involved recruits doing a log of sitting and being presented to. The Igloo breaks that mould. It brings wastewater training into the 21st century.”

Mark Grimshaw
Head of Wastewater Networks North London, Thames Water