Choosing a future career is often a challenge for young people. There are many open questions that can often only be answered by taking a look at the respective professional field. However, such insights are usually difficult to obtain. With VRChances, the Game Lab Graz team at the Institute of Human-Centred Computing at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has developed VR software together with Jugend am Werk Steiermark, which allows different apprenticeships to be experienced virtually in order to provide guidance when choosing a career.

“At Jugend am Werk Steiermark, we attach great importance to providing young people with the best possible support in their career orientation. This also includes the targeted use of new media to give them a clear idea of the different job areas and their requirements. In collaboration with TU Graz, we have created a low-threshold way to get to know a wide range of careers in the VRChances project. The aim is to give young people a practical insight and to prepare them optimally for their professional future," says Walerich Berger, Managing Director of Jugend am Werk, describing the project.

In an initial version of the software, the development team integrated the occupations of electrician and chef. Further skilled trades are being planned; metal technician is currently being developed and another project within the university network Unite! is considering implementing a job profile from the mining sector.

The application was technically implemented for Meta Quest 2 VR glasses, as these do not require external hardware and are therefore more accessible. Jugend am Werk also uses this model and can therefore use VRChances directly itself. Unity was used as the engine, although future job profiles could also be implemented in the Unreal Engine. Both hand tracking and a controller can be used for control within the VR environment, with the controller having advantages due to its more precise operation, especially for fine motor tasks. During development, the team consulted job coaches, electricians and chefs and utilised user feedback.

In terms of content, the programme begins with an introduction to VR controls by familiarising players with the most important functions in a lobby. They learn how to operate the controllers and take their first steps in the VR environment. A virtual vending machine enables them to select the desired job profile. They receive support from a virtual guide for the tasks to be completed afterwards. In the role of an electrician, users first have to find the right tools and then install a socket and a light switch. The chef starts by putting together the right kitchen utensils and then preparing pancakes.

“The interactivity of the VR environment enables young people to become active themselves and thus get a better picture of what an occupation involves,” says Michael Holly. “The feedback we have received confirms this. We compared experts’ assessments with those of the young people before and after the trip to VRChances. Afterwards, their ideas were more in line with those of the experts. We therefore see a lot of potential to help young people make career choices with this technology.”

VRChances is available on the website of the Game Lab Graz and in the Meta App Store to download for free.