The leading provider of immersive learning for the trades celebrates 2023 milestones, including the industry’s first AI-powered mentor, a robust tech-driven apprenticeship program and enhanced safety training Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, confirmed its position as the preferred provider for comprehensive, forward-thinking training in 2023 with a series of notable Read more
Industry News
The leading provider of immersive learning for the trades celebrates 2023 milestones, including the industry’s first AI-powered mentor, a robust tech-driven apprenticeship program and enhanced safety training
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, confirmed its position as the preferred provider for comprehensive, forward-thinking training in 2023 with a series of notable new offerings and achievements, including the launch of the industry’s first AI-powered mentor for learning and skill development.
“We made enormous strides in serving the urgent training and workforce development needs of the skilled trade industries in the last 12 months, and we’ll only be accelerating the pace in 2024,” said Doug Donovan, founder and CEO of Interplay Learning. “Our immersive solutions empower individuals and organizations and help unlock valuable new opportunities, serving employers, workforce development agencies and educational institutions as well as young people entering the workforce and experienced skilled trades workers looking to advance their careers.”
In June, Interplay’s Intelligence Lab, a team of experts shaping the future of training by delivering innovative and intelligent solutions for the skilled trades, introduced Skill Advisor and Mentor (SAM), the industry’s first AI-powered mentor for learning and skill development. SAM helps technicians gain skills faster and more efficiently by taking a holistic approach to learning, asking questions and providing context so learners comprehend the content and sharpen their critical thinking skills.
In recognition of its groundbreaking potential to transform skilled trades training, SAM has been named the winner of the 2024 AHR Innovation Award for software. The AHR Innovation Awards recognize the year’s most inventive and original solutions, based on innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact as judged by an independent panel of experts.
Interplay Learning’s commitment to helping organizations build a better-trained workforce is reflected in the company’s technology-driven apprenticeship program, which helps employers in the skilled trades enhance recruitment and increase employee retention while eliminating the traditional complexities of managing their own formal apprenticeship program. Participating in Interplay Learning’s DOL Apprenticeship Program allows companies to implement award-winning digital training that pairs on-the-job learning with immersive 3D simulations and video courses. Apprentices gain new skills, learn effective troubleshooting, and get unlimited hands-on practice, all in a safe virtual environment using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or virtual reality headset.
Interplay Learning also expanded its leading selection of safety training in 2023, including new OSHA training offerings and an innovative driving safety program designed to protect workers and minimize risk on the job. Overall, Interplay Learning created 112 new courses in 2023 to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers and their teams.
Key customer relationships in 2023 highlight Interplay Learning’s effectiveness for a wide variety of organizations:
- The Temperature Control Institute (TCI), a unique state-of-the-art skilled trades education program helping underemployed youth in Memphis and the surrounding area prepare for rewarding careers, relies on Interplay Learning’s immersive training programs. Together, Interplay and TCI develop skilled, job-ready talent, helping students turn their lives around and meet the labor needs of employers throughout the region.
- At Warren Central High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Interplay Learning enhances the career technical educational program, helping fast-track students’ hands-on introduction to career pathways in the construction industry. Through the partnership, ninth-grade students can accelerate their CTE education by engaging with Interplay Learning’s immersive 3D virtual-reality simulations and training content before starting the school’s full construction program in 10th grade.
- Southern Home Services Corporation, a leading residential home services provider specializing in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and generator service, replacement and maintenance, selected Interplay Learning as the exclusive content engine for technical training across the company’s growing network of more than 750 technicians. By leveraging Interplay’s cutting-edge digital learning platform, technicians at every business location will have seamless access to industry-leading training tools and resources, including immersive 3D simulations and virtual reality experiences.
“We’re proud of our accomplishments in 2023 and excited about all the opportunities ahead of us in 2024,” Donovan said. “We’re working with companies that are taking bold new approaches to learning and reshaping the possibilities of training and workforce development. Together, we have opportunities to truly transform the industries and people we serve.”
Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra Cold Climate Heat Pump and GreenTronic 7000T Hybrid Electric Water Heater among Bosch’s latest product offerings in 2024 Bosch Home Comfort (formerly Bosch Thermotechnology) is introducing two products for 2024 – the Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra Cold Climate Heat Pump and GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater – Read more
Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra Cold Climate Heat Pump and GreenTronic 7000T Hybrid Electric Water Heater among Bosch’s latest product offerings in 2024
Bosch Home Comfort (formerly Bosch Thermotechnology) is introducing two products for 2024 – the Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra Cold Climate Heat Pump and GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater – at the 2024 AHR Expo for HVACR industry professionals. Both systems support the industry shift toward electric solutions for home heating, cooling, and hot water.
“Decarbonization is a crucial step toward a healthier planet, and many homeowners are looking for ways to minimize their reliance on finite resources. With the introduction of these new products that we are excited to showcase at AHR 2024, Bosch Home Comfort is continuing to pave the path towards a cleaner energy future. We are driven as a company to continue innovating our technologies and offering solutions for consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort,” says Alexander Wuthnow, president and CEO of the Bosch Home Comfort Group in North America.
Warm Up Efficiently in Frigid Temperatures with Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra
Bosch’s latest heat pump makes energy-efficient home comfort accessible across almost all climate zones in North America. The IDS Ultra is the first Bosch air-to-air heat pump designed specifically for cold climates—even areas that experience sub-zero temperatures. Powered by Bosch inverter technology, the system can heat at 100 percent heating capacity down to an outdoor temperature of 5° Fahrenheit and will continue to initiate heating even down to -13° Fahrenheit.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that Bosch’s cold climate heat pump meets the requirements to progress from lab to field testing as part of the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge. The goal of the challenge is to advance the technology to allow consumers to make the switch to a cleaner energy future with less carbon emissions.
Anticipated to arrive on the market in late 2024, the IDS Ultra will be available in up to 5-ton capacities and eligible for a variety of state rebates and federal tax credits to support homeowners in their transition to electrified systems.
Additional features include:
- Highly efficient: up to 19 SEER2 and up to 10 HSPF2 (Region IV), 8.5 HSPF2 (Region V)
- 24,000 and 55,000 BTU/hr
- System can be set to communicating or non-communicating depending on site and application needs
- Accepts utility demand response events directly
- 10-years Residential Limited Warranty
Blend Efficiency and Comfort with GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater
Bosch’s most efficient water heater to date integrates heat pump technology into an electric storage water heater to meet all hot water needs for the home. The result is the GreenTronic 7000 T–a water heater that boasts 3 to 4 times the efficiency of traditional electric storage water heaters, thereby
lowering running costs. Homeowners could also save up to $2,000 on the cost of their installation thanks to the 25C federal tax credit, with the potential to save more money through local rebates. The unit has four operational modes, is designed to meet Energy Star and NEEA Tier4, and will be offered in 50 and 80 gallon capacities.
Slated to launch in summer 2024, the GreenTronic 7000 T Hybrid Electric Water Heater is an ideal replacement for electric storage units and a great option for new construction as well.
Additional features include:
- Sleek design
- Demand response port: Allows more control for utilities (CTA-2045 port).
- Cools and dehumidifies installation Space
- Side connections for easier installation
- 10-years Residential Limited Warranty
Both the IDS Ultra and GreenTronic 7000 T will be on display at AHR 2024 at Bosch Home Comfort’s booth #S8188. For more information about Bosch Home Comfort’s full suite of product offerings, please visit www.bosch-homecomfort.us.
Trusted U.S. manufacturer expands its residential, commercial and industrial space heating portfolio as customer needs evolve in response to new electrification policies and regulations Rochester, N.H. — Laars® Heating Systems, a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation and a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, announced Read more
Trusted U.S. manufacturer expands its residential, commercial and industrial space heating portfolio as customer needs evolve in response to new electrification policies and regulations
Rochester, N.H. — Laars® Heating Systems, a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation and a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, announced that they acquired Electro Industries, Inc., based in Monticello, Minnesota. Electro Industries is a manufacturer of electric boilers, air-to-water heat pump technology, electric duct heaters and controls.
“Electro Industries has developed a reputation for producing high-quality residential and commercial electric space heating solutions since its founding in 1974,” said Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO of Bradford White Corporation. “We are excited to welcome the employees of Electro Industries into the Bradford White family and incorporate their trusted products into the Bradford White portfolio.”
This acquisition will expand Laars’ residential, commercial and industrial space heating portfolio, furthering Laars’ commitment to meet the growing needs of customers as state and local electrification policies and regulations continue to evolve throughout North America.
“We are extremely excited that Electro Industries will become part of Bradford White Corporation, where their resources and market reach will allow the legacy of our family business to continue to grow for years to come,” said Krista Smith-Larson, president of Electro Industries.
“Laars Heating Systems and Electro Industries share similar commitments to American manufacturing, quality, and customer care,” said John Seefeldt, CEO of Electro Industries. “Joining with Laars Heating Systems will enhance our capabilities, allowing us to better serve our current customers while extending our offerings to a broader audience.”
This acquisition of Electro Industries includes all company assets, including the Electro Industries facility in Monticello, increasing Laars Heating Systems U.S. manufacturing presence. Electro Industries will be organized as a division of Laars Heating Systems, a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation.
For more information about Laars® Heating Systems, visit http://www.laars.com.
Watts Celebrates 150 Years with Year-Long Sweepstakes for Customers in the U.S. and Canada North Andover, MA-based Watts is excited to announce the launch of the “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” 150th Anniversary sweepstakes, a year-long celebration in honor of a century and-a- half of water technology excellence and innovation. The sweepstakes is open to customers Read more
Watts Celebrates 150 Years with Year-Long Sweepstakes for Customers in the U.S. and Canada
North Andover, MA-based Watts is excited to announce the launch of the “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” 150th Anniversary sweepstakes, a year-long celebration in honor of a century and-a- half of water technology excellence and innovation. The sweepstakes is open to customers of any brand in the Watts family of brands across the United States and Canada, offering an opportunity to “learn and earn” prize packages all year long.
Sweepstakes Period
The sweepstakes is live and will run through December 31, 2024. This program celebrates the customers whose support has allowed Watts to reach this milestone by offering monthly and quarterly prizes, along with a grand prize trip for two to Boston, MA.
Participation Details
Eligible participants can “learn and earn” limited time only tickets redeemable for sweepstakes entries. One ticket equals one entry. Customers can earn tickets through any of Watts’ professional training opportunities, including eLearning through Watts Works Online, Lunch & Learn sessions, and in-person training at any Watts Learning Center. For specific eligibility requirements, visit watts.com/150sweepstakesrules.
How to Participate
For more information, those interested are encouraged to visit watts.com/150sweepstakes. For the official rules, including how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize package details, and how to enter, please visit watts.com/150sweepstakesrules.
Watts has announced “Product Sustainability: Critical Product Development Information to Keep up with a Changing Marketplace,” an ASPE- and AIA-accredited webinar worth 0.1 CEU and 1 AIA LU|HSW respectively. The demand for companies to develop sustainable solutions is multiplying by the day. In order to accomplish this, it’s important to understand what makes a product Read more
Watts has announced “Product Sustainability: Critical Product Development Information to Keep up with a Changing Marketplace,” an ASPE- and AIA-accredited webinar worth 0.1 CEU and 1 AIA LU|HSW respectively.
The demand for companies to develop sustainable solutions is multiplying by the day. In order to accomplish this, it’s important to understand what makes a product sustainable and how it can be applied.
On Tuesday January 30, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET, participants will learn:
- Key terms to better understand sustainability
- The Circular Economy and its benefits related to sustainable product development
- Green Building Certifications and how to design to their guidelines
- How Life Cycle Thinking and LCA’s apply to product development and production
- How to develop sustainable building design by implementing Designing for Sustainability tactics
To register, visit Watts.com/SustainabilityWebinar.