ITI Picks Interplay Learning To Elevate Online Training
The International Training Institute (ITI) has partnered with Interplay Learning to enhance online apprenticeship training for over 14,000 SMART sheet metal industry apprentices nationwide by integrating VR and 3D simulation technology, enabling faster, scalable, and competency-based hands-on training, skill assessments, and customized learning paths in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, while also developing new modules like fire life safety damper testing to improve workforce readiness and career advancement.
Thousands of apprentices in the sheet metal industry nationwide are benefiting from cutting-edge apprenticeship and advanced career training support, as the International Training Institute (ITI) revamps its online training using Interplay Learning’s VR and 3D-simulation technology. This upgrade revolutionizes the way ITI assesses, trains, and manages skilled trade workers.
Interplay Learning, a leading provider of online training for skilled trades utilizing virtual reality (VR) and 3D simulations, has partnered with ITI to provide more powerful and faster hands-on training to more than 14,000 International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) apprentices. Interplay Learning’s technology helps ITI tackle the daily challenge of training thousands of apprentices in HVAC and safety, quickly and efficiently. A 2D and 3D testing module for the fire life safety damper is in development and will be added to their available course catalog along with other co-developed virtual reality content.
Michael Harris, Program Administrator at ITI, stated, “ITI is using Interplay Learning’s technology to attract a new generation of professionals, change the way the workforce thinks about hands-on training and make learning faster and more powerful.”
Effectively and quickly assessing, hiring, and training thousands of workers located nationwide has traditionally presented challenges. Interplay’s scalable solution determines a technician’s skills by providing a comprehensive, at-a-glance view into skill level, training progress, and field readiness. Competency-based assessments and field-like troubleshooting simulations identify strengths and weaknesses, which lead to assignment of expert-led, on-demand courses in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to close skills gaps. Custom learning paths enable a company to promote employee career growth, and class participants earn continuing education units for their NATE certifications. As a recruiting tool, it provides assessment tests to better place a potential apprentice in a program. ITI is utilizing Interplay Learning’s technology, including a customizable admin dashboard, allowing a workforce to be assessed, trained, and managed in a single location that is cloud-based and can be accessed by all devices.
Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning, commented, “We’re thrilled to work with ITI to revamp and upgrade their approach to training for more than 14,000 apprentices. ITI is now able to deliver the most effective training program nationwide with our scalable new tool that lets them assess, hire, train, and manage with transparency.”
About the International Training Institute (ITI)
More than 14,000 apprentices are registered at local training facilities in the U.S. and Canada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (formerly the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association), and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the U.S. and Canada. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the ITI produces a standardized curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to apprentices and journey-level workers who work in the following specialized disciplines:
- Architectural Sheet Metal
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- HVAC Service and Refrigeration
- Commercial HVAC
- Residential HVAC
- Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB)
- Sign Industry
- Roofing
Learn more at https://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/.
About Interplay Learning
Founded in 2016, Interplay Learning is a leading global provider of online and VR training for the essential skilled trades. The Austin, Texas-based firm develops and delivers scalable, highly effective digital learning simulations for the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar, and Facilities Maintenance workforce. Using its digital experiential learning platform, Interplay Learning allows customers to practice hands-on learning and train to be job-ready in weeks, not years. The company was named to the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, won the AI Breakthrough Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality for Enterprise Applications, and is an AHR Expo – Innovations Awards 2020 Winner. Interplay Learning is building better training, better careers, and better lives for its customers and their employees. Learn more at https://www.interplaylearning.com/.
Media Contact
Ria Romano, Partner
RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Tel. 786-290-6413
press@interplaylearning.com
Related
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.
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.
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.
PipeDreams Elevates Technician Skill Development Across Partner Network With Interplay Learning’s Cutting-Edge Training Program
Interplay Learning has partnered with PipeDreams to implement an advanced, technology-driven training program featuring 3D simulations and online courses aimed at developing over 100 technicians’ skills, enhancing safety, supporting apprenticeship pathways with industry certifications, and addressing the skilled trades shortage to boost recruitment and company growth across PipeDreams’ partner network.
Interplay Learning: Online & VR Skilled Trades Training
Interplay Learning offers immersive online and VR skilled trades training that accelerates workforce readiness in weeks through scalable, engaging, and effective programs across industries like HVAC, solar, plumbing, and electrical, delivering proven business benefits such as cost savings, improved troubleshooting, and faster technician training for businesses, educational institutions, and individual learners.
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-recognized certifications, flexible practice environments, curriculum-aligned content across various trades, and proven success in preparing students for workforce readiness through partnerships with employers and educational institutions.