Rock to Reality: The Irish Cement Virtual Apprentices

In partnership with Irish Cement, a CRH company, Emagine created Rock to Reality, an immersive experience that takes visitors on a dynamic journey through the processes and innovation at the Platin factory. Designed to engage school leavers and aspiring apprentices, this cutting-edge project combines live-action footage, CGI renderings, and interactive elements to showcase the factory’s operations and the exciting opportunities within the Irish Cement apprentice program.

A Factory Tour Like No Other

At the heart of the experience is a virtual tour of the Platin factory, captured through a combination of still photography, video, and drone footage. Visitors explore every corner of the facility, from the towering kilns reaching 1400°F—brought to life through vivid CGI renderings—to the state-of-the-art sampling and control room, where they can interact with robots integral to quality assurance processes.

This immersive experience runs on portable VR headsets, making it a standout feature at trade shows and apprentice fairs, where it provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ireland’s leading manufacturing facilities. Additionally, Rock to Reality is accessible via the Irish Cement website, broadening its reach and ensuring that prospective apprentices can engage with the experience from anywhere.

Personal Stories and Practical Insights

To complement the virtual tour, Rock to Reality features testimonials from current apprentices, offering an authentic glimpse into the apprentice journey. These firsthand accounts inspire and inform, demonstrating the opportunities for growth and success available through Irish Cement's programs. The combination of personal stories and cutting-edge visuals ensures that prospective apprentices not only understand the company’s operations but also feel motivated to become part of its future.

Shaping the Next Generation

Rock to Reality represents a forward-thinking approach to recruitment and onboarding, blending technology and storytelling to attract the next generation of talent. By highlighting the innovation, scale, and career opportunities at Irish Cement, the experience redefines how industries engage with young audiences.

Through this partnership, Emagine has helped Irish Cement establish a compelling platform to inspire, educate, and connect with future apprentices, setting a new standard for outreach and engagement in the manufacturing sector.