Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive career development solutions for the skilled trades, has partnered with Graduation Alliance, a national leader in workforce education, to bring career-focused virtual training to youth and adult learners. This collaboration provides students across the United States with a pathway to careers in essential fields, enabling individuals to enhance their skills and increase their earning potential.
This partnership with Interplay Learning is a strategic next step in the Graduation Alliance’s mission to address economic inequities. Students will have safe, virtual access to skilled trades training in seven high-demand fields, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and facilities maintenance, helping them prepare for steady, well-paying jobs with a future. The programme will initially serve Graduation Alliance’s Dropout Recovery and Adult Workforce Diploma programmes, which cater to students who have faced challenges with traditional schooling. By providing a flexible training solution, students can safely access interactive, simulation-based learning anytime and anywhere with an internet connection.
In partnership with educators, government agencies, and community leaders nationwide, Graduation Alliance provides versatile pathways to high school graduation for youth and adults, fosters college and career exploration. It connects job creators to skilled and ready workers. Since 2007, the company has worked with more than 650 state agencies, school districts, community colleges, and workforce boards nationwide to recruit, re-enroll, educate, and mentor students. It also operates The American Academy, an exemplary online high school that is fully accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission, a division of Cognia. It also develops and facilitates skill certification packages with tailored support for students of all ages. In coordination with local and national employers, Graduation Alliance offers work experience, internship programmes and job placement.
Speaking on the collaboration, Ron Klausner, CEO of Graduation Alliance, said:
Our mission at Graduation Alliance is to help individuals complete their education and secure meaningful, stable employment. Our partnership with Interplay strengthens our efforts to break cycles of poverty and create pathways to economic empowerment by connecting students to in-demand jobs across the country, providing them with stability, choice, and autonomy in their careers.
Interplay’s flexible online solution is tailored to diverse learners. It offers scaffolded pathways that allow students to build skills progressively and earn industry-recognized certifications in as little as eight to 16 weeks. Learners can also earn credentials like EPA 608 and OSHA 10, so they stand out in an increasingly competitive workforce. Since 2016, the company has trained over 250,000 people using immersive learning technology and has worked closely with nearly 2,000 businesses and educational organizations.
Doug Donovan, Co-founder and CEO of Interplay Learning stated:
At Interplay Learning, we’re driven by a commitment to making career advancement accessible for everyone, regardless of location or background. This partnership with Graduation Alliance enables us to reach a new group of learners with our immersive, simulation-based training, equipping them with skills for sustainable and in-demand life-long careers.
Graduation Alliance and Interplay Learning provide high-quality, engaging training that equips learners with marketable skills in a flexible and accessible format. This collaboration is a big step forward in workforce development, assisting those who have struggled in traditional academic environments—whether due to economic issues or other personal circumstances—as they pursue satisfying careers and higher earning potential.
