Interplay Learning - Experts & Thought Leaders

Interplay Learning’s Skill Advisor and Mentor (SAM), the first artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant for the skilled trades, has been named 2024’s top innovation in technology integration by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). SAM has been honored by IACET with the Innovation of the Year Award – Technology Integration, which recognizes the best of the best in the use of eLearning design, simulation programs, virtual learning platforms or other uses of technology that enable highly engaging and effective learning. SAM’s cutting-edge intelligence “SAM represents a major milestone in Interplay Learning’s ongoing mission to shape the future of skilled trades training,” said Doug Donovan, founder and CEO, Interplay Learning. “We were the first training provider to incorporate AI directly into a career development platform for the trades. SAM’s cutting-edge intelligence and the acclaimed expert content available through Interplay’s platform have transformed the way companies recruit, ramp and retain a skilled workforce.” Interplay’s career platform SAM instills a deeper understanding of content and accelerates the learning process Included in Interplay’s career development platform, SAM provides technicians with immediate guidance to help them gain skills faster and learn more efficiently in a more engaging manner. SAM also gives technicians personalized support and encouragement when they need it during their learning journey.  By going beyond quick answers and one-time fixes to encourage critical thinking, SAM instills a deeper understanding of content and accelerates the learning process. Centralized learning space Interplay’s career development platform and AI technology provides enterprises the ability to scale and facilitate training across multiple locations and job roles. Companies can offer safe, effective online training for all employees in one centralized learning space, where they are not only able to access Interplay’s proven trades training content but can also manage, track, upload, and create their own training — all within one career development platform. Skills assessment and development “Our integration of AI, virtual reality and simulation technology is setting a new standard for skills assessment and development,” Donovan said. “Interplay addresses the most critical challenges facing the skilled trades industries, including labor shortages, high turnover, and a lack of investment in employee growth. Skilled trades workers are constantly on the move, making it challenging to monitor and assess their performance." Latest techniques and technologies Interplay experiences strong growth rates that reflect its commitment to and leadership in serving Donovan added: "AI and VR offer precise and efficient ways to develop skills and train in a risk-free environment. This enhances an employer’s ability to accelerate foundational training and ensure that experienced workers remain up to date with the latest techniques and technologies.” Interplay continues to experience strong growth rates that reflect its commitment to and leadership in serving the skilled trades industries, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, and multi-family maintenance. IACET’s proven model IACET ensures that providers of continuing education and training can affirm the high quality of their instruction using a universal model for learning process excellence.  IACET’s proven model provides a certifiable framework of researched and proven best practices that can be applied across disciplines and industries.

Interplay Learning, the pioneer in immersive career development solutions for the skilled trades, announces a new partnership with The SEER Group, the globally renowned home services enterprise with over 40 partner brands specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Through this collaboration, The SEER Group will implement Interplay Learning’s career development platform to centralize and streamline its training. Partnership with Interplay The SEER Group will deploy Interplay’s platform as one component of a multi-faceted training strategy, centralizing professional development for over 1,600 employees, including over 750 technicians at various skill levels. The SEER Group will offer a scalable workforce solution across its extensive partner network. “Training and development are at the core of our philosophy,” said Matt Plughoff, Senior Director of Training, adding “Our partnership with Interplay allows us to scale our training efforts, reach more technicians across our brands, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. This is especially crucial as we continue to grow and bring new partners into the fold.” SEER Group’s training strategy Central to the partnership will be the ability to provide partners with an extensive training curriculum Central to the partnership will be the ability to provide partners with an extensive training curriculum, immersive 3D simulated learning experiences, and advanced tools to track and analyze training outcomes, strengthening service quality. The SEER Group’s training strategy leverages a variety of professional development solutions, including Interplay’s custom learning paths, and mobile capabilities. This approach ensures that all employees, from support staff to seasoned journeymen, receive high-quality career training, while fostering a supportive and engaging environment.  Immersive learning technologies By incorporating immersive learning technologies and career paths, The SEER Group reinforces its dedication to ongoing career development and employee safety, meeting the growing demand for tech-forward learning experiences. “We’re excited to support The SEER Group’s training strategy with our enterprise platform,” said Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO, Interplay Learning, adding “The SEER Group’s dedication to continuous learning and employee development exemplifies how forward-thinking enterprises can leverage technology to enhance value and drive growth.”

Interplay Learning, the pioneer in immersive career development solutions for the skilled trades, and Sila Services, a pioneering home services platform operating HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies, are pleased to announce that Interplay will deliver ongoing, scalable training solutions across Sila Services’ 30+ brands. With a workforce of 1,200+ field technicians and a commitment to a people-first approach, Sila Services has selected Interplay Learning to enhance and scale its training and development operations. Interplay will provide Sila Services’ expanding family of brands with cutting-edge 3D simulation training and career-building training pathways that seamlessly integrate with existing systems, reduce trainer burden, and develop its talent pipeline. Interplay’s training content With Interplay’s training content, Sila Services can provide safe and consistent training anytime, anywhere With Interplay’s training content, Sila Services can provide safe and consistent training anytime, anywhere across its distinctive brands. This reduces reliance on location-specific training and dependence on senior technicians and managers for training responsibilities.  The mobile and structured shift in learning leads to less disruption in business operations and provides a repeatable solution from apprentices to leadership roles, boosting confidence in technicians’ ability to expand their skill sets and meet customer needs. Interplay’s skills assessments “Our training philosophy is deeply rooted in our core value of putting people first,” says Edward McFarlane, Chief Learning and Development Officer, Sila Services, adding “We chose Interplay because it's intuitive for our technicians to use and minimizes administrative burdens for our managers. Its user-friendly approach and reporting tools help us efficiently hire new talent, onboard, and develop our own well-rounded workforce, aligning perfectly with Sila Services’ aggressive growth objectives.” The integration of Interplay’s skills assessments into Sila Services’ training strategy and technology stack creates personalized learning paths across multiple trades and skill levels. This approach increases engagement and retention while building reliable skills inventories, enabling more effective talent deployment to jobs. It also supports rewarding promotions and developing technically proficient pioneers capable of driving Sila Services’ growth and new partner acquisitions. Partner with Sila Services Additionally, Interplay’s connection to NATE, third-party agencies like OSHA and EPA, and relationships with major original equipment manufacturers create an industry-validated ecosystem that Sila Services can rely on for top-tier training and certification opportunities all in one place. This ensures technicians are well-equipped to meet industry standards and exceed customer expectations. “We are proud to partner with Sila Services, a company culturally aligned in its dedication to empowering all levels of the workforce through training,” said Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, adding “Together, we will reimagine the way career training is conducted, from apprenticeship to leadership roles, and build a well-rounded workforce capable of meeting growth goals and industry demands.”

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.