Interplay Learning provides online training for skilled trades through SkillMill, a subscription platform that uses 3D and VR simulations to give hands-on, safe practice for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and facilities maintenance. Learners access content anytime on desktops, tablets, or VR headsets, with material created in-house using a proprietary authoring engine. The platform helps individuals, schools, unions, and enterprises onboard and upskill teams, speeding job-readiness from years to weeks and reducing service callbacks. Differentiators include a focus on hands-on VR-based trades training, in-house content development, and a diverse customer base from individuals to large enterprises like Carrier, Rheem, and Goodman, with a goal to close the skilled-trades gap and expand industrial training.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series B
Total Funding
$24.5M
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Founded
2016
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Interplay Learning has launched Skill Verification, a simulation-based tool that tests whether workers can perform trades-specific tasks. The Austin, Texas company announced the product on October 15, 2026. Assessments mirror real equipment and conditions. They give supervisors step-level evidence of readiness in areas such as electrical safety and industrial controls, rather than a simple pass or fail. The first catalogue has 20 assessments covering commercial HVAC, facilities management, manufacturing, data centres, and critical infrastructure. Schools and workforce programmes can also use them. "You can have your OSHA, EPA and NATE certifications and still not be able to perform the job in the real world," said Matt Ellenberg, director of training at Southern Home Services.
Mohave College expands employer-driven workforce training at new Advanced Manufacturing center. Sep 22, 2026, 7:05 AM ET The 36,000-square-foot center uses Interplay's immersive simulations alongside hands-on training to prepare students and incumbent workers for careers in HVAC, electrical, industrial maintenance and other skilled trades. AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive training for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, and Mohave College are expanding workforce training in western Arizona through a flexible, employer-driven model at Mohave's new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. Building on years of success using Interplay's immersive platform in its HVAC program, Mohave developed the new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center to give students and regional employers more flexible options for technical education and workforce development. The center offers traditional career and technical education alongside short-term and customized employer training, allowing Mohave to respond more quickly to changing industry needs. By embedding Interplay's course catalog into its curriculum, Mohave can expand training across HVAC, industrial maintenance, electrical and safety disciplines while giving students opportunities to practice skills in immersive 3D simulations before applying them to physical equipment. "Interplay has been a key part of our HVAC curriculum, and bringing that simulation technology into our new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center gives us the flexibility to provide training that employers need," said Jason Gee, dean of career and technical education, Mohave College. "We can customize training for students entering the trades as well as for employers looking to upskill their current workforce." The center combines asynchronous learning through Interplay's interactive simulations with collaborative, hands-on instruction. In its inaugural year, the model supported more than 300 learners, allowing Mohave to expand its training capacity without developing every course from scratch. "Interplay's simulation software has been a great addition to our HVAC program at Mohave College's Advanced Manufacturing Training Center," said KC Boyd, HVAC instructor, Mohave College. "It gives our students a chance to practice real-world HVAC troubleshooting in a safe environment and then apply what they learned on actual equipment in the lab. I've been very pleased with how well the software supports our hands-on training and helps students build confidence and prepare for the workforce." Mohave plans to expand the center's training programs and industry partnerships as regional workforce needs continue to evolve. "Mohave College demonstrates how education and industry can work together to create a more responsive workforce training model," said Doug Donovan, co-founder and CEO, Interplay Learning. "By combining immersive technology with hands-on instruction and employer-driven training, Mohave is helping learners build practical skills while giving local businesses a more flexible way to develop their workforce." To learn more about Mohave College's Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, visit: www.mohave.edu/life-at-mcc/campus-locations/advanced-manufacturing-training-center/. About Interplay Learning Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions. Leveraging instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness. With over 500,000 people trained, Interplay is shaping the future of workforce development, building better careers and better lives. Visit www.interplaylearning.com to learn more. Recent accolades include TIME's 2026 America's Top EdTech Companies, Forbes 2026 America's Best Startup Employers, the 2025 IACET Instructional Impact Award, 2025 Inc 5000 list, Deloitte's 2025 Technology Fast 500 list, Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024, AHR's 2024 Innovation Award, IACET 2024 Innovation of the Year Award, and NFMT 2024 Vision Awards. About Mohave College Serving western Arizona and surrounding regions, Mohave College is the area's premier workforce development engine and economic driver, generating approximately $200 million in annual regional impact. Across its four physical campuses and extensive online programs, Mohave provides flexible degree and certificate pathways designed to help students build rewarding careers, seamlessly transfer to four-year university partners, and meet the evolving workforce needs of local business, industry, and government leaders. Learn more at https://www.mohave.edu/ SOURCE Interplay Learning NOTE: This content is not written by or endorsed by "KSWB", its advertisers, or Nexstar Media Inc.
Interplay Learning earns appearance on Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. The EdTech company climbs to No. 1152 on the list. August 13, 2026 Interplay Learning, a provider of immersive training for skilled and craft trades, has been named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, marking its place among the fastest-growing companies in the United States. The company is ranked No. 1152, up from last year's spot at No. 1379. The annual Inc. 5000 recognizes exceptional growth among America's most successful independent companies across a wide range of industries. Past honorees include Chobani, Microsoft, Patagonia, Oracle and Meta. Interplay Learning previously made the list in 2018, 2022 and 2025. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! JOIN TODAY to unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In
Interplay Learning selected as "career Readiness Solution of the Year" in 2026 EdTech Breakthrough Awards. Provided by PR Newswire Jun 10, 2026, 4:02:00 AM Interplay Learning selected as "career Readiness Solution of the Year" in 2026 EdTech Breakthrough Awards PR Newswire AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2026. Workforce development innovator recognized for advancing immersive career training in the skilled trades AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive training for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, today announced it has been named the "Career Readiness Solution of the Year" in the 8th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program. This award recognizes the company's commitment to building better careers and better lives through innovative, technology-driven education. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards recognize and highlight the most innovative solutions and companies in the EdTech space. This year's program was highly competitive, with over 3,000 nominations pouring in from across the world. Interplay Learning joins an extensive list of top companies and startups chosen as select breakthrough winners, including Canvas, LEGO Education, PowerSchool and Cisco. "We're delighted to be recognized by the EdTech Breakthrough Awards as a leader in career readiness," said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. "Our mission has always been to empower the people who build, maintain and operate the world we live in. This award validates our approach of using immersive 3D simulations to build skills faster, safer, and more effectively." Interplay Learning's platform leverages advanced technologies like immersive 3D simulations to provide hands-on learning experiences in risk-free environments. By combining expert-led videos, interactive simulations, custom learning paths and skill assessments, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce operational risk and create clear pathways for career progression. This recognition follows a year of significant momentum for Interplay Learning, which has now trained over 500,000 people and offers more than 1,800 hours of unique, expert-created career-readiness content. The company continues to redefine workforce development by making high-quality, skilled trades training accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. For more information about the EdTech Breakthrough Awards, visit edtechbreakthrough.com. For more information about Interplay Learning and its award-winning career readiness solutions, visit interplaylearning.com. About Interplay Learning Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions. Leveraging instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness. With over 500,000 people trained, Interplay is shaping the future of workforce development, building better careers and better lives. Visit www.interplaylearning.com to learn more. Recent accolades include the 2025 IACET Instructional Impact Award, the 2025 Inc 5000 list, Deloitte's 2025 Technology Fast 500 list, Forbes 2025 America's Best Startup Employers, Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024, AHR's 2024 Innovation Award, IACET 2024 Innovation of the Year Award, and NFMT 2024 Vision Awards. To learn more about Interplay Learning, visit interplaylearning.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/interplay-learning-selected-as-career-readiness-solution-of-the-year-in-2026-edtech-breakthrough-awards-302795950.html SOURCE Interplay Learning The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar. Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees. Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
Interplay Learning has launched a data center maintenance training catalogue to address workforce demands driven by AI infrastructure growth. The Austin-based company uses virtual reality and simulation-based tools to train technicians in electrical, mechanical, cooling and safety skills for mission-critical data center environments. The training programme includes hands-on simulations of real-world systems including CRAC units, chillers, PLCs and electrical distribution equipment, alongside expert-led video instruction and assessments. Unlike traditional compliance training, the platform enables technicians to practice troubleshooting before facing high-pressure situations. The catalogue serves over 500,000 trained users and targets teams responsible for uptime and system reliability. The platform includes reporting tools allowing managers to monitor progress and validate competencies across locations.