Australian avocado picker and packer VR training program

New immersive picker and packer training available to the avocado industry

Two purpose-built immersive training programs are now available for avocado picking and packhouse operations.

Delivered through VR, the training allows workers to experience realistic orchard and packhouse scenarios in a safe, controlled and repeatable environment.

Why use VR?

Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction or on-the-job demonstration, workers can:

• actively practice key tasks
• make decisions
• build familiarity with correct processes before applying them in the workplace.

Research into immersive learning has shown that VR learners can be:

• trained up to four times faster than in the classroom
• four times more focused than e-learning learners
• feel significantly more confident applying what they have learned.

This makes VR particularly well suited to operational environments where businesses need to train seasonal and changing workforces quickly and consistently.

The approach:

• provides avocado businesses with a consistent standard of training across workers, sites and seasons
• makes it easier to onboard new and seasonal staff at scale.

The modules

The picker and packer programs:

• focus on the practices that have the greatest influence on fruit quality
• help reduce avoidable handling damage and improve consistency through the supply chain.

The training can be accessed through VR headset packages, with mobile and tablet access also available.

Learn more and get access

Learn more about the picker and packer programs and how your business can access the training on the Reservoir Partners website.

Acknowledgement

The Australian Avocado Industry Virtual Reality Training Program (AV24010) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

This article appears as part of the 14 August 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.