ACTA Partners With Interplay To Offer Hybrid HVAC Training
Interplay Learning has partnered with the Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA) to launch a hybrid HVAC Service Tech Training Program combining Interplay’s online courses and simulations with in-person instruction at ACTA’s facility, providing students without prior experience flexible, comprehensive training—including EPA 608 certification—through interactive digital content and hands-on labs designed to prepare them for entry-level HVAC careers.
AUSTIN, Texas — June 13, 2023 — Interplay Learning, the leader in online training for skilled trades, has announced a new partnership with the Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA) to offer a hybrid HVAC Service Tech Training Program for students pursuing HVAC careers without previous experience. By combining Interplay’s virtual courses with in-person instruction at ACTA’s facility, ACTA will provide students with a flexible, hybrid learning approach that helps them pursue entry-level trades careers.
Interplay Learning’s online training courses and hands-on simulations are the core component of ACTA’s recently launched two-year HVAC Service Tech program, giving students access to a comprehensive training curriculum anytime, anywhere. The program is intended to prepare inexperienced HVAC students with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in entry-level roles by combining expert-led video courses, interactive 3D simulation training, online classroom lessons, and technical labs. Additionally, students will graduate from the program with an important industry certification for HVAC professionals: EPA 608.
Designed to attract and engage the digital-first generation, the program provides students with 24/7 access to a range of interactive online courses covering topics such as electrical systems, refrigeration systems, heating systems, and air distribution systems. Using laptops, tablets, or VR headsets, students can safely practice their skills using Interplay’s “field-like” simulations, building their confidence before interacting with equipment in the lab.
“We’re pleased to partner with Interplay Learning to offer this hybrid training program,” said Duke Diltz, ACTA’s Training Director. “The HVAC industry needs more technicians, and we want to prepare young, tech-savvy students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed by offering the technology they want to engage with. This program will give them a solid foundation in the fundamentals of HVAC while providing them with innovative hands-on experience they need to get a head start on excelling in their careers.”
“We are excited to support ACTA in preparing their students to join the next generation of HVAC professionals,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “Our partnership represents a unique opportunity to provide a comprehensive training program that combines the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the hands-on experience and industry certifications necessary to succeed in the HVAC industry.”
About Air Conditioning Trade Association
The Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA) is a non-profit, contractor-member association serving free enterprise non-union HVAC, Mechanical, and Service Contractors, as well as their employees and industrial suppliers. ACTA provides state- and federally-approved training programs such as the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and Service Technician Training for contractor employees and individuals in the HVAC industry. Since 1972, ACTA has been committed to promoting free enterprise, fair and open competition, less government, increased quality training opportunities, and awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidder. ACTA offers HVAC Sheet Metal classes, Service Technician classes, and EPA Certification testing to assist contractors in creating a competitive workforce with well-trained employees.
About Interplay Learning
Austin-based Interplay Learning offers scalable and effective training for the essential skilled trades that helps business leaders, educators and their teams build better companies, better careers and better lives. Interplay Learning’s immersive online and VR training platform for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, hospitality, multifamily maintenance and facilities maintenance workforces includes expert-led video courses, hands-on 3D simulations, knowledge checks and custom learning paths to upskill advanced technicians and help new technicians be job-ready in weeks, not years.
Interplay Learning was named to the 2022 Inc. 5000 and Inc. Best in Business lists and earned three honorable mentions in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards.
Related
Individual Skilled Trades Training | Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning offers affordable, flexible, and expert-led individual skilled trades training through on-demand courses and 3D simulations in HVAC, plumbing, solar, electrical, and more, enabling learners to quickly upskill or reskill anytime and anywhere using various devices, with customer testimonials highlighting its effectiveness in real-world job readiness and career advancement.
Pricing - Education and Workforce Development - Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning offers three customizable education plans—Achieve with 500+ hours of courses, LMS integration, and advanced management; Academy with 9 pre-packaged job-ready programs and career tools; and Solo providing individual access to 500+ hours of career-readiness training at $54/user monthly—all featuring interactive 3D simulations, certifications, and progress tracking tailored for trades like HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Solar.
VR Skilled Trades Career Exploration
Interplay's Career Exploration offers immersive 3D and virtual reality simulations that allow learners to virtually experience and train in skilled trades careers such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and maintenance, helping them understand job duties, develop hands-on skills, and earn industry-recognized certifications like EPA 608 and OSHA 10 to prepare for successful careers in the trades.
3D & VR Simulation-Based HVAC Training
Interplay Learning offers 3D and VR simulation-based online HVAC training programs that accelerate skill development, enabling technicians to gain hands-on experience and become job-ready in weeks rather than years, as demonstrated by case studies and testimonials highlighting faster productivity, increased confidence, and reduced callback rates for HVAC companies.
Commercial HVAC Training
Interplay Learning offers expert-led, simulation-based online commercial HVAC training combining 3D and VR technologies to rapidly develop, upskill, and retain technicians at all levels, helping companies like QuesTec Mechanical and Dual Temp create effective apprenticeship and career ladder programs that enhance workforce engagement, job readiness, and retention.
Skilled Trades Course Catalog and Roadmap
The Skilled Trades Course Catalog and Roadmap offers industry expert-developed, interactive training across diverse industries such as HVAC, electrical, manufacturing, and clean energy, with courses available at beginner to advanced levels in multiple formats (video, 3D simulation, assessments), supporting certification preparation (OSHA 10, EPA 608) and continuing education units (NATE, IACET, NABCEP), and provided in both English and Spanish to help learners advance their technical skills and careers.