Better Careers, Better Lives

For over a decade there has been a growing labor shortage in the specialized contractors and skilled construction trades. Associated Builders and Contractors cited that, in addition to normal hiring, 454,000 additional workers are needed in 2025 to meet the projected skilled labor demands.

Only recently has there been a major push to promote the trades as a lucrative and rewarding career path in hopes of closing that gap. As more workers look to enter the industry, the obstacle becomes finding the best and most efficient way to train those who are new to the trades. One company that has stepped up in offering an innovative approach that combines online learning with simulation-based training is Interplay Learning.

One Company’s Answer

The company’s platform provides over 500 hours of unique training content, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, certification prep (OSHA 10, OSHA 30, EPA 608) and the most recent modules on crane and rigging through Industrial Training International, an Interplay Company. The courses are designed to be engaging and interactive. Through on-demand simulator-based training courses Interplay Learning provides realistic scenarios that will likely be encountered in the field.

Their simulation training was developed following the same training practices that have been utilized in the military, aviation and the medical field for years. The online courses include expert-led videos that break complex concepts down into 10- to 15-minute, short-form units of study, enabling learning to fit seamlessly into employee schedules and keep them engaged throughout their careers.

The simulation-based training enables learners to build skills and troubleshoot in a safe, virtual environment that mimics real-world environments. To ensure retention of skills, learners take quizzes, exams and assessment simulations during courses. The content has been approved by the Department of Labor and in some states counts towards continuing education credit.

On-Demand Training Drives Growth in Skilled Trades

Interplay Learning's customer base is as diverse as its offering. Some of this is due to the on-demand learning model which makes this form of training ideal for individuals and companies. Companies can train employees at their convenience, ensuring that learning can occur without disrupting daily operations. It also ensures that all employees are receiving the same training regardless of geographic location, developing a consistency within the business.

By utilizing Interplay Learning, companies are reaping the benefits with 89% of Interplay Learning customers reporting that their simulation-based platform trained their techs faster and reduced callbacks by 7%. Not only can employee training ensure proficiency, but it can also provide a pathway for internal growth within a company, moving entry-level employees to higher-skilled openings at a faster pace.

In addition to subscription plans for employees at the corporate level, individuals looking to enter the skilled trades or grow their own business can benefit from Interplay Learning’s flexible subscription plans that provide benefits for companies of all sizes, helping them get techs proficient faster, with the flexibility to access learning modules around their current business schedule.

Making Training Affordable

A major barrier to entering the trades is the cost of traditional training and logistics of training while still being able to support yourself or family. With Interplay Learning this barrier has been broken and the opportunity to start a new career is now a viable option for many. Using this learning platform can also help sole proprietors who may want to  expand their services to meet the needs of their market.

Rounding out their customer base are educators both at the high school and college level.  Introducing the skilled trades as a career path through innovative fast paced courses that  engage and excite a younger audience. Over 100 colleges and high school educators currently utilize Interplay Learning’s modules within their curriculum.

One example is Lenoir Community College in North Carolina, which provides access to the nation’s first North American Technician Excellence HVAC Certification program in Spanish as part of its Centro Educativo Latino workforce development program. The on demand online program offers 3D simulation and virtual reality training entirely in Spanish.

Carlos Cotto, associate dean of Workforce Development and Latino Programs at Lenoir Community College, recently stated, “Our outcomes at Lenoir Community College by using Interplay have been fantastic. We are the only community college right now in North Carolina that graduates their Workforce Development program. So last year we had 288 students graduate, and this year we had 208."