Simulator for skill-oriented training

A skill-based training system, comprising:

• a processing system including:
• a processor;
• a memory operatively coupled to the processor with a plurality of executable program instructions stored therein, the memory including:
• a plurality of lesson plans outlining skill-based tasks and activities therein;
• a work order system including a plurality of work orders in accordance with at least one lesson plan of the plurality of lesson plans, each work order of the plurality of work orders assigning at least one of the skill-based tasks and activities to a user, each work order of the plurality of work orders including instructions specifying a plurality of intermediate steps within the at least one lesson plan for performing the at least one of the skill-based tasks and activities, the instructions configured to be graphically presented to a user;
• and
• performance criteria for the skill-based tasks and activities, the performance criteria including a first standard set by at least one of an industry, a company, an educational institution, and a municipal or governmental certification authority;
• and
• an input-output controller operatively coupled to the processor and to one or more input and output devices, the one or more input devices facilitating input to the processor, the one or more output devices facilitating output of data and information from the processor;
• the processor configured, by the plurality of executable program instructions, to:
• simulate an immersive virtual training environment;
• display a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of the immersive virtual training environment on at least one of the one or more output devices;
• display, on at least one of the one or more output devices, an avatar graphically representing the user within the immersive virtual training environment;
• navigate and manipulate the avatar within the immersive virtual training environment in response to signals received from at least one of the one or more input devices operated by the user to control a position of the avatar within the immersive virtual training environment and at least one action of the avatar within the immersive virtual training environment to perform within the immersive virtual training environment the intermediate steps of the at least one skilled-based task and activity of a selected work order;
• monitor the user's performance of the at least one of the skill-based tasks and activities of the selected work order, as the user performs the at least one of the skill-based tasks and activities;
• compare the user's performance of the at least one of the skill-based tasks and activities to a target performance of the performance criteria based on the first standard to evaluate the user's performance in terms of completion of the performed at least one assigned skill-based tasks and activities and in terms of progress in completion of the at least one lesson plan;
• and
• generate a report of the user's competency of the performed at least one skill-based tasks and activities.