Ingram Launches VR Recruiting Tool

The West Kentucky chapter of Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOs) met April 30 at Ingram Barge in Paducah, Ky., for a lunch and learn. Each member had the opportunity to view firsthand how virtual reality (VR) technology could be applied for recruiting and outreach. Christa White, workforce planning manager for Ingram Marine Group, opened the session with a brief history of the company’s new VR program.

White explained how this program began with a suggestion from the director of The Innovation Hub in Paducah about a Kentucky career grant. The Innovation Hub develops high school students’ talents for the region through immersive experiences in technology, trades, healthcare, the river industry and more. That is when White and Ingram learned about Be More Colorful and its platform, Career ViewXR.

Career ViewXR is an immersive career exploration platform that brings field trips to the classroom through 360-degree, web-based tours and companion virtual reality videos. Students and adult job seekers can explore tours highlighting in-demand industries such as in the skilled trades, marine industry, healthcare, energy and more. VR headsets are completely optional. The content is accessible on other devices, including laptops, cell phones and tablets. The library consists of more than 100 career videos, with more in the works, available by subscription in schools and career centers. As of last month, there were 650 subscribed schools in 27 states, many of which are located near the inland waterways.

Once White and Ingram viewed the material, they realized how powerful the tool was and purchased it to accompany recruiting personnel at school fairs as well as to use in the recruitment process.

“The feedback has been great, whether from students or teachers who had no idea what it was like to work in the marine industry,” White said.

Those interested in viewing Ingram’s web-based version of the deckhand role may do so at https://explore.careerviewxr.com/v/YD1GdQx6zby.

Featured photo caption: Women from the Western Kentucky chapter of Women in Maritime Operations view virtual reality (VR) technology firsthand. (Photo by Patrice Hoffman)