Abstract <p>The article discusses the main approaches to training operators of production equipment and outlines their advantages and disadvantages. The virtual-reality-based method is identified as the most promising approach to training. The method achieves an improvement in training quality by implementing special simulators and training scenarios that help employees quickly master new equipment. The Russian companies that implement virtual-reality-based programs are analyzed. The considered companies use in-house developments to implement various projects in the virtual reality environment, including simulators. However, they do not specialize specifically in simulators of production equipment, although they do have projects related to mechanical engineering. The architectural model of a simulator is presented: it consists of three main modules, interactive equipment models, and external programs that implement scripts, models, and the use of real data for simulation. Three main implementation versions for the interactive simulator are described. The algorithm of the operation of the simulator implemented in two interactive modes and the primary algorithm for processing external data are presented. The proposed algorithms and architecture can be used to develop a universal simulator that provides a thorough understanding of the design and principles of operation of the simulated production equipment.</p>