Building on a partnership that began in 2019, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and SkillsVR continue to redefine how New Zealanders prepare for work. Together, they are harnessing the power of Virtual Reality (VR) - now extended through the SkillsVR Mobile App - to create more accessible, engaging, and effective employment pathways for job seekers across the country.

The introduction of Mobile VR marks the next step in this journey, enabling anyone with a smartphone or browser to access immersive training experiences. This innovation removes the barriers of hardware and geography, allowing people in remote areas or without headsets to benefit from the same hands-on learning opportunities as those in MSD offices.

Since its inception, the MSD x SkillsVR programme has engaged more than 4,000 job seekers and young people across New Zealand. Combining government reach with industry innovation exemplifies how the initiative has shown how immersive learning can re-engage those who have struggled in traditional classroom settings.

The 2024 results provide compelling evidence of VR’s effectiveness as a workforce-readiness tool. Over the year, the programme achieved a 34% effectiveness rate, with 1,853 training sessions completed and 267 MSD clients participating. Of these, 92 people moved off main benefits, transitioning into paid employment or further training. In practical terms, one in three participants achieved a positive outcome, demonstrating that VR can meaningfully accelerate employment outcomes for individuals who often face barriers to work. Building on this success, MSD and SkillsVR are expanding access in 2025 through a blended model of headset-based and mobile delivery.

The SkillsVR Mobile App enables clients to train anytime, anywhere - providing scenario-based experiences with instant feedback and repeatable practice. The first Mobile VR modules include Time Management, Warehousing, and Fast Food Conflict Management, with foundational modules in Logistics, Horticulture, and Hospitality currently in development to align with workforce needs in priority industries. To strengthen outcomes, MSD has also introduced a network of VR Champions in its offices nationwide. These staff guide learners, coach them through modules, and help translate their new skills into real-world employment opportunities.

The MSD–SkillsVR collaboration demonstrates that immersive learning is more than a novel technology - it’s a proven and scalable government tool for workforce development. With measurable results in 2024 and a strategic expansion underway in 2025, this partnership is setting a new benchmark for how public and private sectors can work together to build job-ready skills, boost confidence, and empower communities. As MSD and SkillsVR continue to expand their partnership, Mobile VR represents the next frontier in accessible, inclusive learning - bringing real-world success stories to life, one virtual experience at a time. (edited)

About Skills^VR

Skills^VR works with young people, job seekers, and workplace teams to build confidence, gain practical skills, and earn certifications that open doors to new opportunities. Through immersive virtual reality (VR) training, learners can safely practice real-world tasks in industries like construction, healthcare, retail, and education. The platform makes training engaging and effective while giving organisations the tools to manage devices, track progress, and measure outcomes. Skills^VR replaces traditional training with interactive, hands-on experiences, helping people get job-ready and supporting teams to grow their skills in a practical and scalable way.

For media enquiries, please contact rubym@skillsvr.com