Skilled Trades Workforce Development Training
Interplay Learning’s skilled trades workforce development training partners with community organizations to provide accessible, on-demand virtual reality and 3D simulation training that accelerates job readiness, improves licensing exam success, and creates equitable career opportunities in high-demand trades.
Develop a Job-Ready Workforce, Quickly
Interplay’s skilled trades workforce development training provides job seekers with hands-on, field-like experience to prepare for real-world jobs.
Accelerate Job Readiness in Your Community
Interplay Learning partners with community colleges, public libraries, state workforce development boards, and non-profits to rapidly prepare people with job-ready skills for high-demand trades careers.
Learners can train anywhere, anytime with on-demand skilled trades training and 3D simulations, quickly preparing for job-ready skills and certifications for trades careers.
Customer Testimonials
Prepare Learners for Career-Changing Licensing Exams like IUOE Local 94
“Interplay Learning has significantly enhanced our training program at IUOE Local 94. By offering accessible and innovative learning resources, we've seen higher pass rates and more motivated learners.”
— David Hawkins, Training Director, IUOE Local 94
Enhance Training Experiences with Virtual Reality
“Virtual training gives students the ability to see things from a perspective they typically can’t and helps them understand. For example, when you look at an HVAC system with exposed ducts, you have no idea what’s going on inside. With VR, you can now see right inside!”
— Michael Harris, Program Administrator, ITI
Provide Equitable Job Opportunities
“I have a student who went through our electrical program in prison while finishing his 26-year sentence. When he was released, he went on to get professionally licensed, get married, buy a house, and now owns his own company in Maryland. He's doing great, and he's giving back to society. It just shows how giving people a chance at a career makes them less likely to re-offend.”
— John Chapman, Owner, Jasa Inc. Trade School
Help People Start Careers in the Trades
Contribute to the success of job seekers and build stronger community connections by offering virtual reality and 3D simulations that help prepare people for the real world.
450+ Hours of Training
With more than 450 hours of expert-led training, learners have ample opportunities to upskill and cross-train.
Industry Certifications
Job seekers can obtain certifications such as EPA 608, NATE Ready-to-Work, and OSHA 10.
Looking for Grants and Funding?
Interested in learning more about grants and the funding process? Fill out a brief form to schedule a conversation about your questions and use cases.
Proven, Effective Methodology
Interplay’s training applies the science behind how people learn best, equipping learners with both the knowledge and cognitive skills needed to solve problems in the moment.
Easy to Get Started and Scale
The workforce development training is easy to administer and deliver, enabling quick and effective upskilling for many people.
Anytime, Anywhere Access
No special equipment is necessary to train people in a safe and scalable environment.
Skilled Trades Workforce Development Learning Pathways
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Facilities Maintenance
- Multi-Family Maintenance
- Appliances
- Electrical
- Solar
FAQ
What is Interplay Learning's skilled trades workforce development training?
Interplay Learning’s immersive, simulation-based training prepares learners to start a career in the skilled trades. Using online modules, videos, 3D simulations, and knowledge checks, learners master core concepts and safety principles while virtually practicing hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs.
The training is flexible and can support programs that run full-time or part-time, depending on the needs of learners. Available pathways include HVAC, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, multi-family maintenance, crane and rigging, and more.
Which organizations can use this training to prepare people for trades careers?
Organizations such as unions, trade associations, correctional facilities, nonprofits, and state or local workforce development groups can use Interplay Learning for workforce development programs.
How does virtual reality and 3D simulation training accelerate job readiness?
Virtual reality (VR) and 3D simulations offer a flexible and effective way to learn a trade. Simulation-based learning is immersive and engages learners’ audio, visual, and kinesthetic senses for fast, multi-modal learning. Learners receive real-time feedback and can repeat practice as needed until they master a skill. Simulations can be completed from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or VR in any location, reducing barriers like scheduling and transportation.
What industry certifications can job seekers earn through workforce development training for the trades?
Popular credentials include:
- EPA 608
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction
- NATE Ready-to-Work
- NATE Low-GWP Refrigeration
- NATE Certified HVACR Professional 5 (CHP-5)
- HVAC Excellence Employer Ready
What grants or funding options are available for workforce development programs?
Most programs draw from braided funding streams, including federal and state funding, competitive grants, and community funders. Traditional federal funding sources include WIOA, Perkins V, Pell Grants, and apprenticeship grants. Cities and state agencies may offer competitive workforce grants. Organizations can also seek competitive grants from government agencies, family foundations, or community funders, as well as support from businesses and private philanthropy.
Want to Learn More?
Related
Skilled Trades Course Catalog and Roadmap
The Skilled Trades Course Catalog and Roadmap offers industry expert-developed, interactive training across diverse industries such as HVAC, electrical, manufacturing, and clean energy, with courses available at beginner to advanced levels in multiple formats (video, 3D simulation, assessments), supporting certification preparation (OSHA 10, EPA 608) and continuing education units (NATE, IACET, NABCEP), and provided in both English and Spanish to help learners advance their technical skills and careers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commercial HVAC Training
Interplay Learning offers expert-led, simulation-based online commercial HVAC training combining 3D and VR technologies to rapidly develop, upskill, and retain technicians at all levels, helping companies like QuesTec Mechanical and Dual Temp create effective apprenticeship and career ladder programs that enhance workforce engagement, job readiness, and retention.