How Workverse uses virtual reality to prepare young people
Workverse, a virtual reality (VR) learning initiative supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through its PROSPECTS programme, was demonstrated at the inaugural Uganda National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference (UNYOIC) on 18 September 2026. The initiative allows young people to practise workplace situations, including job interviews and interactions with colleagues, in simulated environments before entering employment.
Launched in 2025 through the ILO’s International Training Centre (ITCILO) Innovation Sparks Initiative, Workverse uses virtual reality to help participants practise workplace skills. Its simulated scenarios cover interview preparation, communication with colleagues and workplace interactions.
As technology changes the world of work, young people need technical skills as well as communication, teamwork, empathy and pliability. However, opportunities to practise these transferable skills remain limited, particularly for those facing barriers to education and employment. These include young people from refugee and host communities.
The initiative brings together ITCILO’s expertise in innovative learning, the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology’s (UICT) understanding of local training needs, and the ILO’s commitment to inclusive skills development. The Government of the Netherlands supports the work through ILO PROSPECTS, which aims to expand practical learning opportunities for young people, including refugees and members of host communities.
Earlier testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement introduced young people to VR learning tools. Trainers from UICT and other institutions also explored how the technology could support communication and interpersonal skills development. The testing provided an opportunity to examine how virtual reality could be used in local training settings.
At UNYOIC 2026, youth representatives invited from districts across Uganda experienced Workverse directly. Uganda’s National Planning Authority (NPA) convened the two-day conference in collaboration with the Population Scientists’ Association and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). It brought together young people and stakeholders to explore opportunities in technology, innovation, education and employment.
Charity Kisakye, one of the youth representatives, identified communication, interview preparation, self-awareness, and confidence as areas where the virtual learning experience could help young people prepare for employment. Her experience highlighted the opportunity to practise workplace situations before facing them in real recruitment or work settings.
Donald Byaruhanga, another invited representative, was struck by how quickly he could interact with the virtual environment. He also identified the technology’s potential to extend training beyond major urban centres. He pointed to Abim district in northern Uganda as an example of a place where young people could potentially access training through such technology.
Mercy Namulondo, who also attended as a youth representative, focused on accessibility. She highlighted Workverse’s potential to make learning opportunities more accessible to persons with disabilities and young people who have difficulty travelling to training and other opportunities. Her perspective highlighted barriers that can prevent young people from taking part in learning activities even when opportunities exist.
The three participants highlighted different aspects of the technology: practising communication and interview skills, extending training to people outside major urban centres, and reducing the difficulties associated with accessing learning opportunities. Their experiences gave the ILO and its partners direct feedback from young people who had used the platform. The observations concerned its potential uses rather than verified improvements in employment outcomes or skills.
Melissa Kyeyune, National Project Coordinator for Digital Skills and Microwork under ILO PROSPECTS, highlighted the importance of engaging directly with youth leaders when developing innovative approaches. Participation in UNYOIC 2026 allowed the ILO and its partners to hear their perspectives and obtain insights relevant to the initiative’s value and relevance to young people.
The conference also emphasised implementing commitments made by youth leaders. The NPA identified the number of commitments achieved under the declaration issued at the conference as the measure by which UNYOIC 2026 would be judged. The commitments focused on stronger partnerships, improved access, reduced barriers, and better outcomes for young people, with youth leaders identified as champions for these priorities.
Workverse’s presentation at the conference brought virtual reality-based workplace training into discussions about youth opportunities in Uganda. Participant feedback highlighted its possible applications in interview preparation, communication, and access to training, while the conference declaration set out commitments to improve opportunities for young people.
