ForgeFX Simulations will take the Ground Breakers Stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG on Wednesday, March 4 at 3 p.m. to explore how virtual reality is changing the way the industry prepares new operators. With equipment growing more complex and workforce gaps widening, the question of how to train people quickly and safely has never been more urgent.
Instead of replacing hands-on training, VR makes it more targeted and more productive.
Why VR Training Is Becoming Essential
Training new operators today often means pulling expensive machines out of production or limiting access to the few units available. Meanwhile instructors are stretched thin and learning curves keep getting longer. VR fills that gap by giving trainees a way to build foundational skills before they ever step into a real cab.
Greg Meyers, CEO of ForgeFX Simulations, says VR’s role is frequently misunderstood.
“VR lets trainees learn the fundamentals before they ever touch equipment in the real world,” he said. “It supports instructors. It takes care of the basics so they can focus on the high-value skills that require their expertise.”
This approach speeds up learning, reduces early mistakes and ensures every trainee receives the same consistent instruction. Instead of replacing hands-on training, VR makes it more targeted and more productive.
What VR Solves Today and Where It’s Going
VR addresses some of the construction industry’s most persistent training obstacles: limited machine availability, safety concerns, expensive fuel consumables and the rising cost of travel and downtime. By standardizing early learning, organizations can move trainees into real equipment sooner and with greater confidence.
What’s emerging next is just as impactful. AI-powered coaching is beginning to appear inside simulators, offering immediate guidance as trainees learn. Eventually that same support could extend to mobile devices or smart glasses, giving operators real-time help on the job. As Meyers puts it, “It is about empowering people and protecting equipment. It helps the industry move from iron to impact.”
Why This Conversation Matters Now
The industry needs scalable training that meets today’s demands without slowing production. VR is no longer experimental or niche. It is a practical tool that strengthens workforce readiness, improves safety and helps organizations train smarter with the resources they already have.
ForgeFX will use the Ground Breakers Stage to show how immersive simulation fits into real-world training programs, what results it delivers today and how it’s shaping the next generation of operator development.
Join us at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Ground Breakers Stage. If you’re unable to attend in person, the March 4 livestream offers a chance to join the conversation in real time.
Photo Courtesy ForgeFX Simulations
