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Workforce Development Skilled Trades Training

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Develop a Job-Ready Workforce, Quickly

Interplay’s skilled trades workforce development training gives job seekers the hands-on, field-like experience they need to prepare for real-world jobs.

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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.

Train anywhere, anytime with on-demand skilled trades training and 3D simulations to quickly prepare your learners with job-ready skills and certifications for trades careers today.

Customer Testimonials

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 better than anything else on the market.

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450+ Hours of Training

With more than 450 hours of expert-led training, learners won’t run out of ways to upskill and cross-train.

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Industry Certifications

Job seekers can obtain the certifications they need to get started, including EPA 608, NATE Ready-to-Work, and OSHA 10.

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Looking for Grants and Funding?

Interested in learning more about grants and the funding process? Fill out the brief form below. We’ll reach out to you to schedule time to talk 1:1 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 they need to solve problems in the moment.

Easy to Get Started and Scale

Our workforce development training is easy to administer and deliver, enabling you to quickly provide effective upskilling to as many people as possible.

Anytime, Anywhere Access

No fancy equipment is necessary to train people in a safe and scalable environment.

Skilled Trades Workforce Development Learning Pathways

Man working on a HVAC unit, illustrating hands-on training in the Skilled Trades Workforce Development Learning Pathways

HVAC

Checking Plumbing Leakage

Plumbing

Interplay Learning Expert checking top AC

Facilities Maintenance

Interplay Learning Expert checking Oven

Multi-Family Maintenance

Interplay Learning Expert checking Appliances

Appliances

Electric Main Board with lots of wire

Electrical

Men installing solar panels that have undergone skilled trades workforce development

Solar

FAQ

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. 

 

Designed to be flexible, Interplay Learning’s training can support programs that run full-time or part-time depending on the needs of your learners. Available pathways for the skilled trades include HVAC, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, multi-family maintenance, crane and rigging, and more.

A wide range of organizations can use Interplay Learning for workforce development programs, such as unions, trade associations, correctional facilities, nonprofits, and state or local workforce development groups.

Virtual reality (VR) and 3D simulations accelerate job readiness by offering 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. 

 

When a learner practices a technique or safety procedure via simulation, they receive real-time feedback and consequences in a safe environment that helps them learn by doing. Learners can repeat practice as often as needed until they master a skill and are ready to apply it in a physical environment.

 

Since Interplay Learning’s simulations can be completed from a desktop, laptop, tablet or VR in any location, Interplay’s training helps reduce barriers like scheduling and transportation, enabling organizations to equip job-seekers from underserved populations.

Workforce development training for the trades should include earning key certifications and credentials. Popular credentials recognized across the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industries 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

Explore Interplay Learning’s full list of industry-recognized certifications to learn more.

Most workforce development programs draw from braided funding streams, including federal and state funding, competitive grants, and community funders. Traditional federal funding sources like WIOA, Perkins V, Pell Grants, and apprenticeship grants can fund workforce programs, but not all providers qualify. Cities and state agencies are another resource, with some offering competitive workforce grants.


To fill funding gaps, organizations can tap into competitive grants from government agencies, family foundations, or community funders. Businesses and private philanthropy have strong incentives to strengthen the local talent pipeline and invest in the community. For more ideas, access Interplay’s workforce development funding guide.

Want to Learn More?

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Overview: Workforce Development

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Interested in Grants and Funding?

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Overview: Creating Better Lives in South Africa