International Training Institute Selects Interplay Learning to Elevate Its Online Training Technology for More Than 14,000 SMART Apprentices Using Virtual Reality

Thousands of apprentices in the sheet metal industry nationwide are benefiting from cutting-edge apprenticeship and advanced career training support, as ITI revamps its online training using Interplay Learning’s VR and 3D-simulation technology. The upgrade revolutionizes the way ITI assesses, trains and manages skilled trade workers.

Austin, TX – September 22, 2020 – Interplay Learning, the leading provider of online training for skilled trades utilizing virtual reality (VR) and 3D simulations, announced today that it has partnered with the International Training Institute (ITI), to provide more powerful and faster hands-on training to more than 14,000 International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) apprentices. Interplay Learning’s technology helps ITI tackle its daily challenge of training thousands of apprentices in HVAC and safety, quickly and efficiently. A 2D and 3D testing module for the fire life safety damper is in development, and will be added to their available course catalog with other co-developed virtual reality content.

“ITI is using Interplay Learning’s technology to attract a new generation of professionals, change the way the workforce thinks about hands-on training and make learning faster and more powerful,” said Michael Harris, Program Administrator at International Training Institute.

Effectively and quickly assessing, hiring and training thousands of workers located nationwide has traditionally presented challenges. Interplay’s scalable solution determines a tech’s skills by providing a comprehensive, at-a-glance view into skill level, training progress and field readiness. Competency-based assessments and field-like troubleshooting simulations identify strengths and weaknesses, which lead to assignment of expert-led, on-demand courses in HVAC, electrical and plumbing to close skills gaps. Custom learning paths enable a company to promote employee career growth, and class participants earn continuing education units for their NATE certifications. As a recruiting tool, it provides assessment tests to better place a potential apprentice in a program. ITI is utilizing Interplay Learning’s technology, a customizable admin dashboard, allowing a workforce to be assessed, trained and managed in a single location that is cloud-based and can be accessed by all devices.

“We’re thrilled to work with ITI to revamp and upgrade their approach to training for more than 14,000 apprentices,” said Interplay Learning CEO, Doug Donovan. “ITI is now able to deliver the most effective training program nationwide with our scalable new tool that lets them assess, hire, train and manage with transparency.”

About the International Training Institute (ITI)

More than 14,000 apprentices are registered at local training facilities in the U.S. and Canada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (formerly the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the U.S. and Canada. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the ITI produces a standardized curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to apprentices and journey-level workers who work in the following specialized disciplines: Architectural Sheet Metal, Building Information Modeling (BIM), HVAC Service and Refrigeration, Commercial HVAC, Residential HVAC, Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB), Sign Industry, Roofing. Visit https://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/ to learn more.

About Interplay Learning

Founded in 2016, Interplay Learning is the leading global provider of online and VR training for the essential skilled trades. The Austin, Texas-based firm develops and delivers scalable, highly effective digital learning simulations for the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar and Facilities Maintenance workforce. Using the digital experiential learning platform, Interplay Learning allows its customers to practice hands-on learning and train to be job-ready in weeks, not years. The company was named to the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, won the AI Breakthrough Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality for Enterprise Applications, and is an AHR Expo – Innovations Awards 2020 Winner. Interplay Learning is building better training, better careers and better lives for its customers and their employees. Welcome to the next generation of the skilled labor workforce. Visit https://www.interplaylearning.com/ to learn more.

Media Contact

Ria Romano, Partner
RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Tel. 786-290-6413
press@interplaylearning.com

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