V-Prep Visual Training Ltd

Company Overview

V-Prep Visual Training Ltd is a Stoke-on-Trent-based business, which provides unique online visual training resources for pilots looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

Following the success of the Airbus A320 launch, the team was able to build training assets for the Boeing 737.

After attending several events, V-Prep identified a market opportunity in VR. With the help of the fully funded SCIMIA* programme, they chose to learn more about VR and investigate the prospects available.

Funded Business Support

Harriet Judge, Film Production Manager for V-Prep Visual Training Ltd, learned more about the SCIMIA programme after being contacted by Steve Hargreaves, Staffordshire University's Business Engagement Development Manager.

Steve explained how ways in which V-prep could benefit from the fully-funded programme and encouraged V-Prep to come back with a business idea. 

SCIMIA is a dedicated project led by Staffordshire University driving research and innovation through collaborative knowledge exchange between Staffordshire University and Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP SMEs to develop innovative solutions for the intelligent mobility market.

V-Prep brainstormed and pitched back the idea of implementing VR as part of their training package to pilots. After a successful pitch, as part of the SCIMIA programme, V-Prep welcomed a fully funded* student intern, Harry Reader.  

Harry Reader is a Games Development student at Staffordshire University. His role was to apply his knowledge and expertise while collaborating with the business and academics to build VR software. To do this, he gathered all of their video production assets for their other products and used his expertise in Unreal Engine 4 and 5 to create virtual reality software to create procedure-based training for pilots.

Project Outcome

As a result of the programme, the team came up with a brand-new product ready for the market soon. Their training assets have been improved from a manual style to a more inclusive and interactive format. Pilots can now have a full package of training resources, fused with virtual reality, where they can now apply the theory into practice.

V-Prep found that the support from Staffordshire University has been very positive. Harry Reader fit into the team seamlessly and had a great work ethic throughout. As a result of the programme, Harry received practical experience to put at the forefront of his CV. This project will set him apart from other applicants after graduation. 

Alongside many other businesses that have benefited from the SCIMIA programme, the V-Prep team exhibited at the Innovation Enterprise Zone Expo 2022 to share the results of the project. 

Overall, the V-Prep encourages other businesses to access the University's business support. This is due to the quality of the support and expertise provided. SCIMIA is also a great opportunity for businesses to explore areas they may not have the resources or time to do on their own within 12 months. 

*Staffordshire Connected & Intelligent Mobility Innovation Accelerator (SCIMIA) is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014 -2020