In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, vocational training is experiencing a profound transformation. In a comprehensive interview with N. Balasubramanian, Sabarinath Nair, CEO of Skillveri, offers an intimate look into how his company is revolutionizing skills training for blue-collar workers. Born out of IIT Madras and headquartered in Chennai, Skillveri is at the forefront of using VR, XR, and mixed reality to deliver immersive, gamified training modules. These modules cover a wide range of skills, from welding and painting to HVAC repair and solar panel installation. Throughout the discussion, Nair shares not only the technological innovations driving Skillveri’s success but also his vision for social change in the blue-collar workforce.
Revolutionizing Vocational Training
At the heart of Skillveri’s mission is a belief that technology can fundamentally alter the way vocational skills are acquired. “We are not just a tech company; we are a movement to redefine blue-collar work. Our simulation platforms are not merely tools for instruction—they are purpose-built environments that build real confidence and precision in every worker, ensuring that as each trainee masters the fundamentals, their hand-eye coordination and technical abilities are honed in a progressive, step-by-step manner,” Nair explains. By fusing immersive 3D visuals with gamified learning, Skillveri provides an experience where practice and repetition occur in a risk-free, cost-effective setting.
This approach means that workers can safely experiment and perfect their craft without the financial and safety risks associated with traditional training. “Our simulation platforms are not just about training; they’re about nurturing a sense of competence and precision in every individual,” he adds, emphasizing that the technology is as much about personal empowerment as it is about skill acquisition.
Addressing the Talent Gap
One of the most pressing challenges in today’s industries is the persistent talent gap—particularly in blue-collar sectors where outdated training methods and societal biases have long hindered progress. Nair candidly reflects on this issue: “There is a significant talent gap because blue-collar work has historically been undervalued and overlooked. Our mission is not only to enhance skill levels but also to transform the way society perceives these vital professions.”
He further elaborates on the tangible benefits of Skillveri’s approach: “By providing state-of-the-art, immersive training solutions, we have helped our clients achieve up to 70% cost savings on consumables, 50% less work rejection, and 40% less reworking and product wastage. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent a profound shift in how efficiency and quality are delivered in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and education.”
This dual impact—both economic and social—is central to Skillveri’s strategy, as it addresses operational inefficiencies while simultaneously uplifting the workforce’s status and dignity.
The Power of Immersive Technology
Skillveri’s reliance on immersive technology is what truly sets it apart from traditional training methods. With fully immersive 3D views and high-definition VR experiences, users are transported into environments that mirror real-world scenarios. “The experience inside our simulator is so detailed and natural that it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. We have designed our system to ensure that every interaction feels intuitive and that the learning curve is gentle yet effective,” Nair remarks.
He continues, “When we developed these simulators, our focus was on ensuring that the training environment replicates the challenges of the actual worksite. This isn’t about replicating a tool-for-tool copy of the real world; it’s about creating an adaptive learning experience where each trainee can build muscle memory and technical intuition at their own pace.” Such design decisions are evident in every aspect of the product—from the simplified controls that gradually introduce complexity, to the realistic feedback that reinforces proper technique.
Global Expansion and Inclusive Learning
Although Skillveri’s roots lie in Chennai, its impact is undeniably global. Riding on the success of its SaaS offerings in the United States, the company established its North American headquarters in Delaware, and more recently, expanded its presence into the UK. “From our roots in Chennai to establishing headquarters in North America and having a presence in the UK, our journey has been fueled by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a vision to drive social impact on a global scale. Our expansion reflects not only our technological capabilities but also our resolve to transform vocational training worldwide,” Nair observes.
A key pillar of Skillveri’s global strategy is inclusivity. “Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. By offering our training modules in 18 Indian languages and 7 European languages, we ensure that language is never a barrier to learning. This multilingual approach allows us to democratize access to high-quality vocational training, enabling a diverse workforce to benefit from our technology,” he emphasizes. This commitment to inclusivity not only enhances learning outcomes but also contributes to Skillveri’s social mission of uplifting blue-collar work.
Pioneering Mixed Reality
As technology evolves, so does Skillveri’s commitment to innovation. Nair is particularly excited about the potential of mixed reality in transforming the learning experience. “We see tremendous potential in mixed reality as the next step in immersive learning. Imagine a training environment where you can see the real world while seamlessly integrating virtual elements—this allows you to train for longer periods without feeling confined to a purely digital space,” he explains.
He elaborates further: “This mixed reality mode enables trainees to blend their real-world perceptions with virtual guidance. The result is a training experience that is both natural and highly effective, ensuring that users remain engaged and comfortable throughout their sessions.” This forward-thinking approach positions Skillveri to continuously evolve and adapt to emerging technological trends, ensuring its solutions remain at the cutting edge of vocational training.
A Vision Beyond Business Growth
For Nair, Skillveri’s mission transcends mere business metrics; it is deeply intertwined with social progress. “Our vision extends beyond business growth; it is about social change and the empowerment of every worker. We aim to challenge longstanding stereotypes about blue-collar work and to demonstrate that when you invest in practical, high-quality training, you are not just enhancing skills—you are uplifting lives,” he asserts.
This sentiment is reflected in the company’s overall approach. By addressing real-world challenges such as the high cost of consumables, the risks of on-the-job errors, and the inefficiencies of traditional training methods, Skillveri is creating measurable benefits for both companies and workers. “We are here to create a ripple effect in the industry—one that not only transforms training but also reshapes the narrative around blue-collar work. Our efforts are focused on making vocational training more accessible, effective, and socially impactful, ensuring that our workforce is better prepared for the rapidly changing industrial landscape,” Nair concludes.