AIKEN, S.C., (May 7, 2018) – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently provided a highly unusual and intriguing experience for local career counselors during an event featuring various occupations found at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS). This was effectively accomplished by using virtual reality (VR) head gear to view a 360-degree video.
The special event provided the proving grounds for this innovative technology used by SRNS personnel to recruit students at more than 30 career fairs scheduled to take place over the next 12 months.
A fast-paced, high-impact video featuring the advantages of living in communities near SRS is available for display within a 360-degree electronic panorama viewed in multiple layers of varying types 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, SRNS Workforce Services.
According to Diakun, in time, the SRNS video production team will create 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 small, padded plastic virtual reality head gear is held in place using straps, while ear buds provide sound. Each unit contains a pre-programmed iPhone, the source of the video and audio. Just as in real life, no matter what direction a head is turned, whether up, down, left or right, something new is displayed to be seen.
“One of my favorite segments was shot in a kayak on the Savannah River,” said Ortner. “Wearing one of these VR 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.”
Ortner explained the next phase will include the purchase of inexpensive printed cardboard virtual reality units. Students and job candidates will be able to take them home and go to the SRNS website to view a wide variety of virtual reality videos at their leisure.
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