Interplay Learning

High-Level Overview

Interplay Learning is an Austin-based technology company founded in 2016 that provides an immersive online and VR training platform for skilled trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, and crane/rigging.[1][2][3][4] It serves businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations by solving the skilled labor shortage through scalable, hands-on simulations that make workers job-ready in weeks rather than years, with over 500 hours of courseware, AI personalization, and recent expansions like Interplay Achieve and apprenticeship services.[1][3][4][5] The platform has trained nearly 600,000 people across nearly 2,000 customers globally, earning accolades such as Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 and IACET Instructional Impact Award, reflecting strong growth momentum amid persistent talent shortages in trades.[1][3][5]

Origin Story

Interplay Learning was founded in 2016 by CEO Doug Donovan in Austin, Texas, with a mission to deliver better careers and lives through superior training for essential skilled trades.[1][3][5] The idea emerged from recognizing gaps in traditional training methods, which are slow and less effective, amid global challenges in hiring and retaining skilled talent as education systems lag behind industry needs.[3] Early traction came from developing award-winning 3D simulations and VR content, leading to partnerships with nearly 2,000 businesses and educators; a pivotal moment was the 2025 acquisition of Industrial Training International (ITI) via Goldman Sachs, enhancing its industrial offerings and scaling to nearly 600,000 trained users.[3][5] This evolution has positioned Interplay as the industry leader in immersive trades training.[1][4]

Core Differentiators

• Immersive Technology Stack: Combines 3D simulations, VR scenarios, AI-driven personalized paths, expert-led videos, and knowledge checks for risk-free, hands-on practice that accelerates mastery faster than traditional methods.[1][2][3][4]
• Scalability and Accessibility: Cloud-based platform works on any device, enabling businesses to onboard hundreds simultaneously, upskill existing teams, ensure compliance, and launch apprenticeships without heavy admin burdens.[2][3][5]
• Targeted Solutions: Offers Interplay Achieve for education/workforce programs (e.g., industrial maintenance, crane/rigging) and new Engagement/Apprenticeship Services to boost retention and program management.[4][5]
• Proven Impact and Awards: Trained 250,000+ (now nearly 600,000) users, with recognitions like Deloitte Fast 500 (2025), IACET Award, and past wins from Inc., AI Breakthrough, and Fast Company.[1][3][5][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Interplay Learning rides the wave of digital transformation in vocational training, addressing a massive skilled trades shortage where companies struggle with hiring, retention, and slow education pipelines.[3][5] Timing is ideal amid rising demand for industrial and construction workers, amplified by global supply chain needs and apprenticeship incentives, with market forces like AI/VR adoption favoring immersive edtech over outdated classroom models.[1][4] It influences the ecosystem by empowering independent academies, correctional programs, and businesses to create job-ready talent, reducing errors, boosting efficiency, and opening high-paying careers, while integrations like the ITI acquisition broaden its reach into specialized industrial sectors.[3][4][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Interplay Learning is poised for continued expansion through AI enhancements, global scaling (e.g., U.S., South Africa), and service innovations like Engagement Services to tackle engagement drops in training programs.[1][2][5] Trends such as workforce reskilling mandates, VR hardware affordability, and national apprenticeship pushes will propel growth, potentially doubling user bases as trades face deepening shortages. Its influence may evolve from training provider to full ecosystem orchestrator, partnering more with governments and enterprises to redefine skilled labor pipelines—ultimately delivering on its promise of better careers amid a tech-driven trades renaissance.[3][4][5]