Interplay Receives Investment From CTAN For Trades Training
Interplay Learning, an Austin-based training technology company specializing in 3D simulation and virtual reality training for trades such as HVAC and solar installation, announced a $1 million investment led by Central Texas Angel Network to accelerate its scalable online training solutions amid workforce shortages, following a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Energy award to develop an innovative solar training platform.
AUSTIN, TX (October 4, 2016) – Interplay Learning, an Austin, TX based training technology company, announced a $1 million investment led by Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN) with participation from Tech Coast Angels – San Diego (TCA-SD) in San Diego, CA. The growth capital will enable Interplay to accelerate its move into delivering 3D simulation-based and virtual reality training for middle-skills and professional trades. Interplay already has a leadership position in delivering 3D interactive training to the education and professional markets for numerous trades including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical, Energy Auditing, and Manufacturing.
“As baby-boomers in the professional trades retire, the United States faces major workforce shortages in middle skill fields. Plus, in rapidly growing markets like solar installation, workforce training is creating major industry bottlenecks,” Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay explains. “Interplay addresses these issues head-on by developing and delivering online, simulation-based training that is both scalable and effective.”
This funding announcement comes on the heels of Interplay winning a $1.25 million cooperative award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. The award will fuel the development and launch of a first-of-its-kind online solar training platform featuring 3D simulations and an intelligent system of learning to accelerate skill building for immediate on-the-job results.
Interplay has been developing technical training simulations for 5 years and its products have been used by more than 30,000 students and professionals. Donovan adds, “Learning a trade has changed. Vocational programs and unions play a smaller role across the country. Company owners and equipment manufacturers are forced to provide training if they want to meet market demand. What we’re talking about here is a serious pursuit. These are the middle class careers that are the backbone of America.”
Interplay sees virtual reality (VR) playing a bigger role in trades training in the not-so-distant future. Interplay recently unveiled its first virtual reality demo at the Solar Power International Show.
About Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning develops online digital learning for students and professionals to build career skills and technical aptitude. Interplay’s specialty is 3-D interactive life-like simulation which allows a learner to accelerate practical understanding and application. Interplay products can be found in education, government, career certification, and industry.
Related
Interplay Learning Selected to Provide Online, On-Demand Training Opportunities to Three Neighborly Home Service Brands
Interplay Learning has been selected as a preferred vendor by Neighborly to provide its Aire Serv, Mr. Electric, and Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchises in the U.S. and Canada with an online, on-demand training platform featuring 3D simulations and virtual reality to enhance remote, experiential learning and improve service professionals' practical skills.
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.
Enhance Your Gateway Trades Curriculum with Interactive, Hands-On Simulations for Students
Interplay Learning offers immersive 3D and virtual reality simulations that enhance Gateway Trades curricula by providing students with safe, engaging, and convenient hands-on training to build real-world skills, boost confidence, and inspire the digital generation.
Interplay Listed on World's Most Innovative Companies 2024
Interplay Learning, ranked #6 in Fast Company’s Applied AI category for the World’s Most Innovative Companies 2024, is recognized for its AI- and VR-driven immersive training solutions like SAM, an AI-powered mentor that accelerates skill development in the skilled trades to address labor shortages and support workforce growth.
Four Misconceptions About Being a Plumber
The article addresses the severe labor shortage in plumbing by debunking the misconception that plumbing only involves fixing toilets, emphasizing that plumbers play a critical role in designing, installing, and maintaining complex water, gas, and heating systems essential for public health, residential comfort, healthcare facilities, and industrial processes.
SkillMill Immersive Training Platform
The SkillMill Immersive Training Platform, now rebranded as the Interplay Career Development Platform, offers over 500 hours of expert-driven, scalable, and science-based immersive training courses and simulations for skilled trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances, enabling businesses, educators, and workforce programs to efficiently upskill their teams with advanced hands-on learning technology previously reserved for elite professions, all managed through a user-friendly platform designed to accelerate workforce development and improve real-world problem-solving skills.