How EdTech Online Training Is Transforming Due To COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of EdTech online training, driving the need for a new, fast, affordable, and widely accessible training model that equips the 30 million unemployed U.S. workers with in-demand skilled trade jobs.
How EdTech is Transforming in Response to Covid-19
Throughout history, crises have accelerated trends that were already underway. EdTech is one example. Because of COVID-19, more companies have been forced to explore online learning.
There are 30 million unemployed workers in the U.S. and demand for skilled trade workers is at an all-time high. A new training model is needed that is:
- Fast and affordable
- Easily and broadly accessible
- Prepares people with skills for the jobs that are in demand today
Related
Interplay Learning Newsroom
Interplay Learning, a leading provider of immersive training for industrial and skilled trades, has recently been recognized by TIME and Forbes for its industry impact and financial strength, while partnering with companies like Konecranes to deliver VR crane simulation training that expands customer training capacity and reduces equipment downtime.
Interplay Learning Achieves Rank #680 on 2022 Inc. 5000 List
Interplay Learning, an Austin-based provider of online and VR training for skilled trades, achieved a 917% three-year revenue growth and ranked #680 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private U.S. companies, highlighting its commitment to building the skilled trades workforce amid economic challenges.
Interplay Wins Gold in Inc.'s 2020 Best in Business Award
Interplay Learning, an Austin-based provider of online and virtual reality training for skilled trades, won the Gold medal in the On the Rise 0-4 Years category of Inc.’s inaugural 2020 Best in Business Awards, which honors small- and medium-sized American companies making significant positive impacts on their communities, industries, environment, or society.
Workforce Development Programs and Skilled Trades Careers
Workforce development programs are crucial in addressing the U.S. skilled labor shortage—particularly in trades like construction, plumbing, and HVAC—by providing flexible, technology-enhanced training opportunities that enable individuals to enter well-paying middle-class careers, with many new skilled trade workers earning at least $50,000 annually despite common misconceptions about low earning potential.
Goodwill & Interplay Partner for Skilled Trades Training
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont partnered with Interplay Learning in December 2020 to provide community members in the Charlotte region with accelerated, flexible online and VR training in skilled trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and facilities maintenance, addressing a labor gap during the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling participants to gain job-relevant skills and hands-on simulated experience despite social distancing constraints.
3D & VR Sim-Based Training for Students
Interplay Learning provides online, on-demand 3D simulation and virtual reality training for skilled trades students, offering industry-aligned courses and certifications across various trades, enabling flexible, safe practice environments, curriculum integration, progress tracking, and proven success in preparing students for workforce readiness as endorsed by educators and employers.