Modernizing the Labor Market: Interplay Learning CEO on Innovation Uncovered Podcast
In the Season 2 premiere of the "Innovation Uncovered" podcast hosted by Kristen Meinzer, Interplay Learning CEO Doug Donovan discusses how his Austin-based company is modernizing the labor market by digitally training over 75,000 people in skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to address the workforce skills gap.
Hosted by culture critic Kristen Meinzer, “Innovation Uncovered” explores how breakthrough ideas are reshaping reality in extraordinary ways. In Season 2, the podcast features inspiring stories at the intersection of business and technology, with a focus on agents of innovation. Each episode includes in-depth conversations with scientists, inventors, or entrepreneurs who are creating large-scale change around the world.
In the Season 2 premiere, Interplay Learning discusses revitalizing the workforce by bringing skilled trades—such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—into the digital world. The company is addressing the skills gap by helping more than 75,000 people build key technical skills. Kristen Meinzer interviews Doug Donovan, CEO of Austin, Texas-based Interplay Learning, about how his team is modernizing the labor market.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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Interplay Learning named to Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 list - Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning, a leader in immersive training for skilled trades and industrial crafts, was named to Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 list for its rapid revenue growth driven by innovative simulation-based training solutions that address the skilled labor gap and support workforce development across industries such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and industrial maintenance.
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.
New Partnership Taps Immersive Technology to Give the 'Toolbelt Generation' Exposure to In-Demand Skilled Trades in High School
Edmentum and Interplay Learning have partnered to provide high school students with immersive, AI-driven simulation courses in skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, and clean energy, addressing growing Gen Z interest and workforce demand by offering accessible, industry-recognized career and technical education that prepares students for postsecondary training and jobs without requiring costly equipment or specialized staff.
Interplay Learning Partners with Graduation Alliance to Empower Learners with Career-Ready Skills
Interplay Learning has partnered with Graduation Alliance to provide virtual, career-focused training in seven high-demand skilled trades—such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—to at-risk youth and adult learners across the U.S., enabling them to complete their education and gain practical skills for stable, well-paying jobs through flexible, simulation-based learning accessible anytime online.
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.
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.