The U.S. skilled labor shortage is becoming a full-blown crisis. In manufacturing and construction, the demand for electricians, welders, and other tradespeople is outpacing the supply of trained workers. According to a recent McKinsey report, this shortage is only projected to grow over the next decade, with hiring demand for skilled roles expected to be 20 times higher than the net number of new jobs.
That kind of churn costs more than just time—it drains billions in training, talent acquisition, and lost productivity. The workforce is aging, Gen Z is harder to attract, and outdated training methods are failing to close the gap.
So how can we turn this around?
BILT Immersive Instructions: Built for the Future of Training
At BILT, we’ve long believed that better training starts with better tools. That’s why we created BILT Intelligent Instructions®—interactive 3D interactive and XR immersive experiences that make complex assembly, maintenance, and installation tasks easier to learn and execute.
Now, with Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing, we’re elevating technical training into fully immersive environments. This technology isn’t just impressive—it’s impactful. A recent study with Warshauer Trade School proved it.
Key Findings from the Warshauer Study:
Reduced Time to Proficiency
- The class completed the curriculum nearly 25% faster than those trained with traditional methods.
- 76% of students were at least three weeks ahead of schedule; 88% were 2.5 weeks ahead.
Accelerated Task Completion
- Tasks like mounting electrical boxes were completed 73% faster—cutting time from 40 minutes to just 11.
- XR-enhanced projects were completed 67% faster than historical averages.
Minimized Errors
- Common errors (like reverse polarity and improper sheathing) dropped to 0%.
- Wiring errors for 4-way switches decreased by 90%, and several error types were eliminated altogether.
Enhanced Consistency & Retention
- Variability in student task completion times dropped by 28%.
- Knowledge retention jumped from 30% to 90%—a 200% increase.
Boosted Confidence & Engagement
- 93% of students reported feeling ready to face the challenges of the job.
- Instructors observed a 50% increase in student engagement thanks to early, hands-on access to virtual content.
What It Means for the Trades
BILT immersive isn’t just helping students learn faster—it’s helping them learn better. For industries facing massive turnover, a loss of institutional knowledge, and rising training costs, this kind of transformation is critical.
As McKinsey emphasizes, solving the talent crisis in the trades will require bold new thinking—and smarter tools. BILT is proud to be part of that solution.
Our goal? Empower the next generation of tradespeople with immersive, intuitive training that’s as dynamic as the work itself.
Let’s build a smarter workforce together.
