AIKEN, S.C. - Local career counselors had the unusual experience of donning virtual reality head gear to view a 360-degree video at an event highlighting Savannah River Site (SRS) occupations recently.
It was a proving grounds for this innovative technology used by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the site’s management and operations contractor, to recruit students at more than 30 career fairs scheduled for the next 12 months.
The fast-paced video features the advantages of living in communities near SRS. It’s displayed within a 360-degree electronic panorama viewed in multiple layers of visuals.
“The reactions and comments from the counselors have confirmed for us the effectiveness of this medium and the important role it will play in our efforts to recruit top candidates for our company," said Nate Diakun of SRNS Workforce Services.
Diakun said the SRNS video production team plans a series of virtual reality videos featuring jobs at SRS, where there is a high need to recruit candidates.
“We want to immerse them in the sights and sounds of what it’s like to work at SRNS," said Bryan Ortner, SRNS Workforce Services. “In some cases, it’s to explain what types of duties are involved, such as with our nuclear production operators. In another instance, we want to demonstrate quickly and effectively the outstanding program available for SRNS engineers. This new highly visual approach is proving to give us that ‘wow factor,’ needed to attract candidates."
The virtual reality head gear contains a pre-programmed smartphone, the source of the video and audio. Something new is displayed each time users turn their heads.
“One of my favorite segments was shot in a kayak on the Savannah River," Ortner said. “Wearing one of these virtual reality units makes you the kayaker. Look up and there’s the sky, flying birds, and the shining sun. Look down, and you see the kayak and paddle along with moving water. You can even look to see what’s behind you. It’s great."
SRNS plans to provide students and job candidates inexpensive printed cardboard virtual reality units they can use to view videos on the SRNS website at their leisure.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
