Industry 4.0 has positioned additive manufacturing (AM) as a key driver of innovation, yet its complexity necessitates advanced training solutions. This study introduces a virtual reality (VR) enabled 3D printing simulator to enhance technical education and digital skills. Built on Oculus Quest 3 and Unity 3D, the simulator replicates the AM workflow design, setup, printing, and post-processing in a risk-free environment. A 2024 pilot study with 100 participants (50 students, 50 professionals) compared its efficacy against traditional training. The VR group achieved a 33% faster task completion time (15.2 vs. 22.7 min, p < 0.01), 56% fewer errors (3.4 vs. 7.8 per session, p < 0.05), and higher satisfaction (4.6 vs. 3.8 on a 5-point scale). Cost savings reached 67%, with zero material waste. Challenges include VR motion sickness and hardware costs, with plans for artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements. This research offers a scalable model for Industry 4.0 workforce development.