#None #Skilled Trades #Interplay Learning #Edmentum

Transforming High School Education Collaboratively

In an era where technology is rapidly altering every sector, education must also evolve to meet the demands of the future workforce. Recently, Edmentum, a prominent name in K-12 digital curriculum, and Interplay Learning, a pioneer in immersive learning for skilled trades, announced a collaboration aimed at revolutionizing trade education for high school students across the nation. This significant partnership aspires to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for in-demand careers in various fields, particularly those associated with the skilled trades.

Edmentum operates as the primary provider of digital educational resources, with its services extending to over 6 million students worldwide. Through the integration of Interplay Learning's trade preparation courses, their program will expand immensely, offering students not just theoretical knowledge but tangible experiences that can prepare them for careers in plumbing, HVAC, clean energy, and more. The collaboration is especially timely, reflecting a burgeoning interest in vocational careers among contemporary youth, commonly referred to as the 'toolbelt generation.'

Meeting the Needs of Future Workforce

This partnership acknowledges the increasing demand and competitive wages associated with skilled trades. Recent surveys indicate that over half of Gen Z is considering a career in these fields, marking a notable uptick compared to previous years. As traditional college enrollment appears to plateau, vocational training programs have experienced a significant resurgence, with public two-year colleges reporting a 13.6% increase in enrollment for the second consecutive year. This trend highlights the urgent need for quality educational programs that foster practical skills.

Jamie Candee, President and CEO of Edmentum, articulated the ongoing concern many schools face: the difficulties in providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences in skilled trades due to financial constraints surrounding specialized equipment and staff. “This partnership reshapes career preparation, eliminating barriers to experiential learning and enhancing access to job-ready training,” Candee stated, emphasizing the mutual interest shared by educators and students in pursuing these fields.

He further explained that this initiative forms part of a broader strategy that seeks to reimagine secondary education. By employing technology, schools can provide innovative pathways into the workforce that were previously unattainable due to financial limitations.

Engaging Learning Creations

The new offering, named Edmentum Career Trade Prep powered by Interplay, will be available as an enhancement to Edmentum's existing career programs for students from grades 6 to 12. These courses will immerse students in nine key fields encompassing electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, facilities maintenance, and more. Students will interact with vibrant and engaging content that simulates real-world applications, enhancing both understanding and retention of essential skills.

Guided by industry experts, the immersive curricula utilizes advanced 3D simulations and verified learning methodologies, allowing learners to practice in a controlled virtual environment. This approach not only reduces costs associated with physical training environments but also empowers students to develop confidence before they face real-world challenges head-on. Upon completion, participants will receive an Interplay job-ready certificate—and insights about recognized certifications, such as those from OSHA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, further positioning them for success in their chosen fields.

Fostering Career Readiness

Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, expressed excitement about the opportunity to provide industry-recognized training to high school students through this partnership. “Hands-on, experiential learning furnishes students with the essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in the skilled trades,” he noted.

As both organizations strive to enhance students' preparedness for immediate employment or further education in technical fields, this collaborative effort promises to set the groundwork for successful career pathways. Edmentum’s more robust offering, introduced recently, aims to strengthen connections between student learning and their subsequent professional journeys, ultimately fostering successful transitions into the workforce.

Together, Edmentum and Interplay Learning are paving the way for more comprehensive and adaptive vocational training that resonates with the technological advancements characterizing today's labor market. Their inspiring endeavor represents a forward-thinking model in accountable, accessible education tailored to meet the needs of modern students and the employers who seek them.