Interplay Learning - Experts & Thought Leaders

Interplay Learning, the pioneer in immersive learning for the skilled trades, announced the expansion of its Apprenticeship Services and the launch of Engagement Services. These strategic services are designed to help organizations tackle two of the industry's biggest challenges: developing qualified workers and keeping learners engaged in ongoing training and professional development. With the skilled trades facing a persistent talent shortage, many companies struggle to build structured training programs while managing day-to-day operations. Interplay's expanded Apprenticeship Services provide flexible pathways to launch and manage Registered Apprenticeship Programs, while its new Engagement Services help drive learner engagement without requiring organizations to hire additional staff or become experts in workforce development. Need for qualified workers "The trades need more qualified workers, and apprenticeships are gaining renewed national attention as a proven solution. But many companies lack the time and resources to build effective programs," said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. "Our services help companies start or manage apprenticeship programs and keep learners on track, removing barriers to workforce development." With Interplay Learning's Apprenticeship Services, Interplay’s expert apprenticeship team provides support in navigating the administrative and logistical complexity that comes with running an apprenticeship program. Additionally, Interplay’s simulation-based training offers an engaging, flexible way for apprentices to fulfill their Related Technical Instruction requirements. From pre-apprenticeship programs to multi-year registered apprenticeships, Interplay helps businesses diversify their talent pipeline, ensure workers gain job-relevant skills, and build lasting employee loyalty through meaningful career development. Interplay's Engagement Services Even the best training content falls short when learners lose momentum, but with Interplay's Engagement Services, specialized engagement experts will handle the heavy lifting, such as program audits, progress tracking, automated communications, and streamlined reporting. The result is a ripple effect across the entire organization, leading to learners staying motivated, administrators reclaiming valuable time, and businesses accelerating skill development while maximizing their training ROI with measurably improved field performance. Through these expanded strategic services, Interplay Learning continues its mission to make high-quality, skilled trades training more accessible and effective. By removing administrative burdens and providing expert guidance, Interplay enables organizations to focus on what matters most: building confident, capable teams that drive business results.

Interplay Learning, the pioneering provider of immersive skilled trades training, has won the 2025 Instructional Impact Award by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This prestigious recognition highlights Interplay’s ability to deliver measurable results through innovative instructional design and impactful training solutions. Interplay’s ongoing commitment This is not Interplay Learning’s first recognition from IACET. In 2024, the company received the Innovation of the Year Award for Technology Integration, specifically for its groundbreaking Skill Advisor and Mentor (SAM), the first AI-powered virtual assistant for skilled trades training.  The back-to-back honors underscore Interplay’s ongoing commitment to advancing VR, simulation and digital learning technologies to improve onboarding and workforce development across industries like manufacturing and industrial maintenance. Risk-free training experiences “With its rigorous standards, IACET is known for emphasizing high-quality educational outcomes,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder, Interplay Learning. “By combining our technology with our unique pedagogical philosophy, we help learners retain knowledge and enable organizations to develop skilled workforces more efficiently.” Interplay Learning’s platform combines immersive 3D simulations, online courses, virtual reality and AI to provide hands-on, risk-free training experiences. This approach enhances job readiness while eliminating the need for costly labs or taking valuable production equipment offline. IACET’s standards “In the trades today, employers face many challenges, including a tight labor market and training modalities that are increasingly outdated,” Donovan said. “A robust and thoughtful training program can address these issues by meeting workers where they are, providing them with interactive learning opportunities that allow them to gain confidence through repetition. This positions employees to be not just part-changers but problem-solvers, which in turn helps them feel more invested in their work.” The IACET awards are considered a benchmark of excellence in the continuing education space. IACET’s standards are based on exhaustive research and best practices that have proven to be effective across industries.

Interplay Learning, the globally renowned provider of immersive skilled trades training, announces its partnership with Modigent, a national pioneer in next-generation infrastructure, technology, and energy solutions, to support the launch of a Plumbing and HVAC Apprenticeship Program. This initiative will offer Modigent employees flexible, high-impact training to build real-world skills and support long-term career development in the trades. Interplay Learning’s Program Modigent is deepening its commitment to workforce development by introducing a training pathway that expands access to high-quality career training for emerging technicians, while also creating more opportunities for current employees to grow their skills and maintain work-life balance.  The program was developed in alliance with Interplay Learning’s Registered Apprenticeship Program The program was developed in collaboration with Interplay Learning’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, which offers programs approved by the Office of Apprenticeship and several State Apprenticeship Agencies. This framework enables Modigent to implement a consistent, scalable apprenticeship model across all 18 of its operating companies to standardize training and support clear career progression for employees throughout the United States. Tech-forward learning experience “We are committed to building a program that meets people where they are, professionally and personally,” said Ryan Elder, Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Capabilities, Modigent. He adds, “By offering a flexible, tech-forward learning experience, we’re investing in the long-term growth and retention of our workforce and creating more opportunities for our employees to advance.” Safely explore HVAC and plumbing systems The program combines simulation-based online learning with weekly in-person lab sessions The program combines simulation-based online learning with weekly in-person lab sessions. Over the course of 12-week semesters, apprentices will complete self-paced, interactive coursework through Interplay’s award-winning platform, which incorporates advanced 3D and virtual reality simulations to create a realistic and immersive training environment.  These virtual scenarios allow apprentices to safely explore HVAC and plumbing systems, practice diagnostics and master procedures before lab sessions. Training is accessible anytime, on any device, giving employees the flexibility to grow their skills on a schedule that is convenient for them. Forward-thinking approach “Modigent is taking a forward-thinking approach to training that prioritizes both quality and accessibility,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and Founder, Interplay Learning, adding “We’re proud to support their vision with a solution that helps employees build meaningful careers in the trades.” The apprenticeship program will officially launch in September 2025 at select Modigent operating companies. Following the initial rollout, the company plans to expand the program across all 18 of its operating companies nationwide.

The 486,805 square feet of exhibit space at AHR Expo 2023 in Atlanta provided clear evidence of how technology innovation in HVAC has accelerated in the last decade. Change and progress were everywhere among the 1,779 exhibitors, including 425 international exhibits. HVAC systems on display New electronic tools, cloud-based solutions, higher efficiency ratings, mini-split systems, new regulations, and new control strategies are driving product development enabling HVAC systems to deliver new solutions for customers. The 42,794 attendees at AHR Expo 2023 took notice. Heat pumps continue to lead product innovation, with many systems targeting better performance in colder climates. Combination systems that incorporate water heating along with ambient heating and cooling are also more common. solutions rather than equipment More than one exhibitor at AHR Expo 2023 noted that their emphasis this year is on “solutions rather than equipment.” It’s no longer just about products, or even about how things work. Rather, it’s about how they work together, and what problem(s) they can solve. Digital systems Digital systems are higher-profile this year than ever, somewhat supplanting the dominance of large equipment displays of years past. Instead of showing the big equipment, some exhibitors embraced schematics and animated simulations to demonstrate their operation on a video screen. Virtual displays also highlighted the operation of electronic control systems and other digital elements of the latest HVAC systems. Regulations, positive economic winds Regulations are ensuring a continuing demand for new equipment, and tax incentives are creating new business growth An economic slowdown is a possibility later in 2023, according to economists, but there was little concern evident at AHR Expo. Exemplifying an industry in the process of reinventing itself, the show reflected positive economic winds that will make HVAC more lucrative than ever in the coming years. Regulations are ensuring a continuing demand for new equipment, and tax incentives (such as those in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act) are creating new business growth. Several exhibitors helpfully highlighted which of their products are eligible for tax incentives. new sustainable HVAC technologies As part of the broader trend of digital transformation in the built environment, HVAC is interfacing with building systems in new ways. As a major player in decarbonization, new HVAC technologies will lead the way to a more sustainable future. IAQ and decarbonization HVAC is also at the center of concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) that follow a worldwide pandemic. “IAQ and decarbonization are the two most important trends in the built environment and will remain so for decades to come,” says David Budzinski, President, of Global Residential & Light Commercial at Johnson Controls.   electronic offerings An integration tool called NODE-Red enables various IoT sensors to be configured virtually into the system An example of electronic offerings at AHR was Delta Controls’ Red5 room controller which combines HVAC controls with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, enabling more devices to interoperate and communicate in a building system. An integration tool called NODE-Red enables various IoT sensors to be configured virtually into the system. Also, the O3 sensor detects motion to assess the number of room occupants without using video (less intrusive); it also measures humidity, temperature, sound, light intensity, etc. AIM Act With Jan. 1, 2025, looming for compliance with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), there is still a lot of work to do. A proposed rule prohibits the manufacture of equipment containing HFCs by Jan. 1, 2025.   Energy transition “If all of our work together, whether manufacturers, contractors, or distributors, we can keep this conversation front and center and be ready for the transition,” says Brandon Marshall, Chemours’ North American Marketing Manager for Thermal & Specialized Solutions. “If we work together, we can navigate the change, and training is a key piece of it.” Best practices Becoming better informed enables everyone to understand and get comfortable with the solutions" Some new refrigerants are rated “mildly flammable.” Although this is a consideration, it should not be a major concern, says Marshall.  “Best practices can ensure you are managing the product safely, and becoming better informed enables everyone to understand and get comfortable with the solutions.” awareness Chemours conducts webinars, publishes documents, and makes updates available about the refrigerant transition. “We have to pay attention to the regulatory environment,” says Marshall. “Jan. 1, 2025, is coming fast.” More awareness is needed as the industry works toward the deadline. Contractors should also beware of low-quality or counterfeit refrigerant products, says Marshall. skilled labor shortage The skilled labor shortage in HVAC and other trades was another theme at AHR 2023. The labor shortage increases the need for training. “If you want to grow your business 20 to 30%, you should grow your people that much both the number of people and the knowledge of staff,” says Dan Clapper, Market Director, Interplay Learning. He adds that a company should devote up to 10% per week to training. Interplay Learning’s interactive, 3D simulation-based training platform is “as close to on-the-job training as you can get.” In effect, the simulations provide “before-the-job training.” Training investments Another training company, BDR (Business Development Resources), notes that their clients demonstrate 38% higher revenue per employee and 81% higher gross profit per employee. Revenue per service truck increases to $40,000 from the industry average of $12,000 after investments in training, says BDR, which provides in-person classes. Another exhibitor, XOi Technologies offers a smartphone app that provides expertise to lesser-trained HVAC installers. Their slogan is “We’re your journeyman on every job.” Journeyman is the brand name of the helpful app.

When COVID-19 hit, North Arkansas College had to close its school, and students had to transition from in-person to online learning, which is especially difficult when teaching a trade that is heavily dependent on hands-on training. The HVAC/R program at North Arkansas College, which has existed for over 50 years, typically has an average of 14 to 16 students enrolled each year. HVAC/R program “With the quick transition we had to think outside the box, and so we found a company that had created a software for the HVAC/R Industry to help contractors and service companies give their service technicians additional training in areas that they needed,” said Jeff Smith, a licensed HVAC/R contractor who teaches courses at North Arkansas College. The software uses virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated simulation that enables a student to interact with an environment using electronic devices. The software chosen by North Arkansas State could be used for desktop (two dimensional) or with VR equipment (headset). Software using virtual reality (VR) The original thought was to send a laptop and VR headset home with each student, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to potentially get the hands-on training that they were missing, but that plan did not work out due to the overall costs and possible technical difficulties. “However, we recognized the value in the VR system and knew right away it would make a great tool to help build on what the students were already learning in the classroom and lab settings,” said Jeff Smith. SkillMill software The college uses Interplay Learning Software’s SkillMill, which was designed specifically for the HVAC/R industry The college uses Interplay Learning Software’s SkillMill, which was designed specifically for the HVAC/R industry and other trades. The software was also developed to work with several VR headsets brands, including the Oculus Rift S used at North Arkansas College. Jeff Smith said, “We believe the VR systems have been successful because we have witnessed improved lab skills, and we have heard our students discussing the tasks that they accomplished while using the VR systems and how those tasks helped them in their lab studies and in their HVAC/R internships.” Positive feedback on VR systems He adds, “All our students have given great feedback on how the VR systems have supplemented their learning, training experiences and how it could provide them with an additional edge to successfully enter the HVAC/R industry.” When they were developing the VR Lab, North Arkansas College had not heard of any other colleges using this technology specifically for HVAC/R training. Since then, they have had schools ask questions such as: How much does it cost? How did they integrate it with the curriculum? And is there a learning curve? The advantages of applying VR technologies in the HVAC discipline are numerous Applying VR technologies in HVAC The advantages of applying VR technologies in the HVAC discipline are numerous. Safety is always a major concern when students are working on live electrical circuits and pressurized systems. Using the completely safe VR environment, instructors do not have to worry about students becoming injured, while learning to troubleshoot and service HVAC/R equipment. Another advantage is that a student cannot accidentally break a part or component while learning to work on HVAC systems, which helps with costs. Also, students have the opportunity with the VR system to troubleshoot systems that may not be available in the lab, such as large chillers and cooling towers. Students embrace VR approach Today’s students have such a strong connection with technologies that are associated with VR systems" Today's students are more likely to embrace the VR approach because of their affinity for video games, for example. And there are other factors related to youth culture/technology that make the approach desirable. “Today’s students have such a strong connection with technologies that are associated with VR systems,” said Jeff Smith, adding “Just about every student is tech savvy. The majority of them have a natural inclination toward technology because of our smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, computers, etc. That makes VR training a perfect match for our younger generations.” Funds for additional VR systems Since the program began, North Arkansas State has had major contractors interested in what they are doing, how it works, and the added benefits for the students. However, HVAC/R contractors may not realize the benefits or the full potential of this new training product, until they see it for themselves. When they do, they are amazed at what they see, according to Jeff Smith. Another challenge is acquiring more funding for additional VR systems. “We would like to have a VR station for every student but for now we have a schedule to rotate the students through,” Jeff Smith concludes.