New Partnership Taps Immersive Technology to Give the 'Toolbelt Generation' Exposure to In-Demand Skilled Trades in High School

Partnership between Edmentum and Interplay Learning gives school districts access to simulation-based, industry-recognized content that prepares students for post-high school jobs and postsecondary training.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. and AUSTIN, Texas, April 30, 2025—Edmentum and Interplay Learning today announced a partnership designed to give high school students meaningful exposure to and preparation for in-demand skilled trades. Edmentum, a leading provider of K-12 digital curriculum, assessments, and learning interventions serving 6 million students globally, will enhance its comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) offering by integrating trade prep courses provided by Interplay. Interplay leverages applied AI, immersive simulations, and VR to prepare students for careers spanning plumbing and HVAC to clean energy and solar.

The partnership reflects a growing interest in the skilled trades—which are associated with high demand, consistent need, and increasing wages—among young people. Dubbed the ‘toolbelt generation,’ over half of Gen Z respondents in a recent survey say they are considering a skilled trade career—up 12% from last year. This interest aligns with college enrollment trends: public two-year colleges with a vocational focus saw double-digit enrollment growth for the second year in a row, climbing 13.6% in fall 2024, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.

“As technology rapidly reshapes the skilled trades, we’ve seen an explosion in interest—among both educators and students—in these fields. But providing meaningful exposure and hands-on learning in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other high-demand trades often requires a significant investment in equipment and specialized staff that is out of reach for many schools,” said Jamie Candee, President and CEO of Edmentum. “This partnership helps districts disrupt the status quo of trade prep, dissolve barriers to experiential learning, and scale access to job-ready training. It’s a continuation of the important work to reimagine what’s possible in secondary education, and we’re proud to work alongside motivated leaders to give their students the very best in career-connected learning.”

This latest offering, called Edmentum Career: Trade Prep powered by Interplay, is available as an add-on to the comprehensive Edmentum Career program for career-connected learning across grades 6-12. Research shows that strong CTE programs improve high school graduation rates and set students up for success, whether they choose postsecondary education or an opportunity straight in the labor market. Trade Prep expands what’s possible for districts that implement Edmentum Career, providing more options to engage students in their learning and help them graduate workforce-ready.

Districts that utilize the trade prep courses will give their students access to immersive, virtual content for nine in-demand fields:

• ​Electrical
• ​Plumbing
• ​HVAC
• ​Appliances
• ​Facilities maintenance
• ​Clean energy
• ​Multi-family maintenance
• ​Residential construction
• ​Solar

The instruction, designed with the support of industry experts, uses a virtual, interactive experience to engage students in a safe, cost-effective way that prepares them for industry credentials.

Built using immersive 3D simulations and proven learning science, Edmentum Career: Trade Prep powered by Interplay engages students in a virtual training environment that replicates complex in-the-field scenarios. This technology allows learners to safely practice essential trade skills and troubleshooting before ever handling live equipment, eliminating the need for costly facilities while increasing student confidence and engagement.

At the end of each program, students earn an Interplay job-ready certificate. Students also gain insight into relevant industry-recognized certifications, including those from organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Our partnership with Edmentum opens up an incredible opportunity for high school students to access industry-recognized training and skill development so they graduate on time and job ready,” said Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning. “Hands-on, experiential learning gives students the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the skilled trades. We’re proud to help more students launch rewarding careers, and, in turn, help employers find the next generation of talent.”

This spring, Edmentum introduced Edmentum Career, a comprehensive career-connected learning solution designed to help students, starting in middle school, build a deeper connection between their learning and their future and to enhance postsecondary success and workforce readiness. Trade Prep programs fit seamlessly into Edmentum Career coursework, and recommended sequences that include initial exploration and a capstone course are now available.

About Edmentum

Edmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up, stay on track, or chart their own path. When you pair Edmentum’s comprehensive, research-backed learning acceleration solutions with empowered and supported educators, you can change the direction of students’ lives. Edmentum partners with K-12 educators in all 50 states and 100+ countries worldwide to design, implement, and sustain the programs that deliver on this shared promise of learning acceleration for every student. www.edmentum.com.

About Interplay Learning

Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions. Leveraging instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness. With nearly 600,000 people trained, Interplay is shaping the future of workforce development, building better careers and better lives.

Recent accolades include Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, AHR’s 2024 Innovation Award, IACET 2024 Innovation of the Year Award, NFMT 2024 Vision Awards and Forbes’ 2023 America’s Best Startup Employers.