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
skilled trades training
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.”
Career Training to Members of Detroit’s Gun Violence Reduction Program Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announces a transformative partnership with C.H.O.I.C.E.S (Choosing Honorable Options Increasing Chances to Establish Success), a community-based violence intervention program dedicated to reducing gun violence in Detroit as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s “Detroit at Work” program Read more
Career Training to Members of Detroit’s Gun Violence Reduction Program
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announces a transformative partnership with C.H.O.I.C.E.S (Choosing Honorable Options Increasing Chances to Establish Success), a community-based violence intervention program dedicated to reducing gun violence in Detroit as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s “Detroit at Work” program. C.H.O.I.C.E.S is using Interplay Learning’s virtual reality and simulation-based training to empower at-risk youth and individuals affected by gun violence. Interplay’s innovative training equips them with valuable skills that open doors to a brighter future through sustainable employment in high-demand fields like HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Multifamily Maintenance, and Facilities Maintenance.
Aligning with C.H.O.I.C.E.S’ mission to empower violence-affected and/or justice involved individuals with practical job-ready skills, Interplay’s experiential videos, interactive 3D simulations, and immersive virtual reality courses complement the program’s existing in-person residential construction classes. Participants can now tailor their learning experience to align with their specific needs, schedules, and interests by taking the C.H.O.I.C.E.S in-person residential construction classes and/or Interplay’s online skilled trades courses. Using Interplay, learners can access 400+ hours of courses and hands-on simulations so they can practice their skills in a safe, realistic environment. They can leverage Interplay’s courses for as long as needed to prepare for industry certifications, secure meaningful employment with local employers, and ensure long-term success on their journey to self-sufficiency.
“We absolutely love Interplay,” said Stephanie Nixon, Chief Program Officer at Detroit at Work. “It complements our in-person learning well, and their team is great to work with. Our program participants are totally engaged; they’re having fun while learning, they’re competing with one another to complete courses, and all the while, it’s changing the trajectory of their lives.”
A critical feature of the training platform is the administrator reporting tools that enable program coordinators to identify participants who need help and provide timely support and intervention to those individuals. This proactive approach ensures participants stay on course with their training paths, bringing them closer to their ultimate goal of gaining employment and contributing positively to their communities.
“Our mission is to help institutions build better training, better careers, and better lives,” said Doug Donovan, founder and CEO of Interplay Learning. “C.H.O.I.C.E.S is making significant strides in reducing gun violence in Detroit and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. We’re proud to partner with them to support the at-risk and underserved community with an innovative strategy that builds flexible pathways to meaningful trades careers.”
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announced today a strategic training partnership with PipeDreams, an innovative, tech-forward home services provider. The collaboration with Interplay will accelerate PipeDreams’ ability to acquire, integrate, and grow new partnerships by offering tech-forward training, including hands-on 3D simulations. With a focus on building meaningful trade careers, this Read more
Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, announced today a strategic training partnership with PipeDreams, an innovative, tech-forward home services provider. The collaboration with Interplay will accelerate PipeDreams’ ability to acquire, integrate, and grow new partnerships by offering tech-forward training, including hands-on 3D simulations. With a focus on building meaningful trade careers, this partnership will empower 100+ valued technicians of all levels with the tools to rapidly hone their technical skills, elevate safety standards, and reliably serve customers across partner companies.
One of the pivotal aspects of this collaboration is PipeDreams’ vision to establish an apprenticeship program through PipeDreams University, with Interplay’s online courses at its core. The training approach will encompass 3D simulations, videos, quizzes, and hands-on learning, providing PipeDreams’ technicians with a well-rounded and engaging educational experience with pathways to industry certifications like EPA 608 and NATE.
“Our commitment to developing our service team has been a driving force throughout my journey with the company,” said Grace Underdahl, Training Program Lead at PipeDreams. “We’re creating a holistic training platform that supports development in every role, from general managers to HVAC service technicians. Interplay Learning’s technology perfectly matches our vision to be technology-forward and empower our technicians in a safe and scalable format.”
Given the growing skills shortage, PipeDreams also sees Interplay’s training as a powerful recruitment tool. By making trade careers more accessible, they can attract more technicians eager to embark on a journey of learning and growth within their local markets.
Isabel Sopoglian, Head of Business Operations at PipeDreams, underlined the significance of training on company growth, stating, “Training is a key component of attracting and retaining our employees and increasing the quality of work we deliver. We want our employees to feel our investment in them. It’s a very important aspect of our growth, and our collaboration with Interplay Learning is crucial to this strategy.”
In addition to supporting recruitment and retention efforts, Underdahl and Sopoglian anticipate Interplay’s training to enhance existing operations, equipping technicians with more effective troubleshooting skills and improving ramp time and callbacks for new technicians.
“Interplay is proud to partner with PipeDreams, a mission-aligned company leading with technological innovation and transforming how training is done in the home services industry,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “Our shared mission is to foster successful business partnerships and empower PipeDreams’ workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their careers.”
PipeDreams offers a range of residential HVAC and plumbing services through a growing partner network, including Albert Nahman Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, Wighton’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, Perry Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, TNT Home Services, Clout Home Services, Ace Pelizon Plumbing, Paso Robles Heating and Air and Plumbing the Bay.