US construction companies are turning to simulators , virtual reality ( VR ) and augmented reality ( AR ) technology to attract younger workers and managers around the sector 's labour shortage . The retiring baby boomer generation of jobs , coupled with a restructuring of the industry , has left many US construction firms unable to fill machinery operator positions , potentially putting current and future projects at risk . It is whether the use of computers , which offer a low - cost , safe method of introducing game - playing skills to the skills needed for the building industry , could help bring in new blood .
US construction companies are turning to simulators, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to attract younger workers and turn around the sector's labour shortage. The retiring baby boomer generation of workers, coupled with a stigmatisation of the industry, has left many US construction firms struggling to fill machinery operator positions, potentially putting current and future projects at risk. It is hoped the use of simulators, which offer a low-cost, safe method of introducing game-playing youngsters to the skills needed for the building industry, could help bring in new blood.