The Four Pillars of Workforce Development for the Trades
The guide "The Four Pillars of Workforce Development for the Trades" addresses the critical skills gap in industries like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction by outlining four key strategies—flexible training formats, credentialing and certification, safety and risk reduction through VR and simulations, and employer-community partnerships—to create effective workforce development programs that equip learners with job-ready skills and improve employment outcomes.
Bridge the Skills Gap in the Trades
A growing skills gap is challenging industries like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction. With 91% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 75% citing a lack of qualified candidates, workforce development programs have a unique opportunity to help job-seekers upskill in order to start a new career in these lucrative, stable jobs.
This guide outlines four foundational pillars for creating successful workforce development programs to address these challenges and empower learners with job-ready skills.
What You’ll Learn
Discover how to design impactful training programs that address industry needs by including things such as:
- Flexible Training Formats: Leverage online, hands-on, and in-person learning to accommodate diverse schedules and learning styles.
- Credentialing and Certification: Equip learners with the credentials they need to excel, from OSHA to EPA 608.
- Safety and Risk Reduction: Use VR and 3D simulations to minimize risk while maintaining hands-on experience.
- Employer and Community Partnerships: Build strong connections to align training with industry demands and increase job placement rates.
Related
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.
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.
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.
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.
Center for People’s Workforce Development Program Achieves 95% Completion Rate - Interplay Learning
The Center for People’s workforce development program, utilizing Interplay Learning’s simulation-based training platform, enrolled 80 low-income learners in skilled trades courses such as HVAC and electrical, achieved a 95% completion rate with over 600 courses completed, awarded 330 certificates, and successfully placed 37 individuals into skilled trades jobs in 2025, thereby promoting economic independence and reducing recidivism among Nebraska’s underserved populations.