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Interplay Learning Announces 2026 Excellence Awards Winners

In a recent ceremony held by Interplay Learning, a leader in immersive training solutions for skilled trades and industrial sectors, the recipients of the 2026 Interplay Excellence Awards were unveiled. This prestigious recognition honors organizations that have made significant strides in workforce training and safety initiatives.

Interplay Learning emphasizes the importance of innovative training solutions for workforce development. The awards, presented on June 25, 2026, spotlight organizations that utilize Interplay and Industrial Training International (ITI) resources to significantly improve safety outcomes, foster skill development, and solidify career paths for their workers.

A Commitment to Skilled Training

Doug Donovan, the CEO and founder of Interplay Learning, noted, “This year’s winners showcase a heightened emphasis on establishing structured, scalable training frameworks that not only bolster business performance but also promote employee growth.” The companies recognized demonstrate unparalleled efforts as they treat training as a crucial investment.

Through various categories, the Excellence Awards spotlight organizations making tangible impacts in the workforce training domain. The four primary areas of recognition include:

1. Industry Excellence Award

This accolade is awarded to organizations that have realized measurable results through their training initiatives, demonstrating growth, enhanced efficiency, or cost savings. This year's recipient is Mark-Taylor Inc., celebrated for their innovative training strategies.

2. Safety Champion Award

Given to companies that champion workplace safety, the award acknowledges those who minimize risks and cultivate a culture of safety through training processes. The award for this category was presented to Chumash Casino Resort for its robust safety training measures.

3. Career Ladder Award

This award honors organizations that create well-defined pathways for career advancement, allowing employees to enhance their skills and advance in their roles. Westgate Resorts Inc. was highlighted for its effective career development programs.

4. Better Careers, Better Lives Award

This category recognizes organizations that forge meaningful career opportunities and deliver strong outcomes for learners in their workforce. Universal Technical Institute earned this recognition for its commitment to career progression and skill development of its employees.

Winners were chosen by a panel comprising industry peers from the Interplay customer community, including past award winners and finalists. The judging panel featured prominent names such as Katie Bruggeman from the Center for People and Nik Navan from Invitation Homes, among others, each contributing valuable industry insights.

Supporting Future Learning and Development

As part of their acknowledgment, the winners received an array of prizes designed to further propel their learning and development initiatives. Interplay Learning aims to equip organizations with the tools necessary for continued investment in training and workforce enhancement.

Interplay Learning not only positions itself at the forefront of immersive training but has also integrated ITI's expertise in specialized industrial learning solutions. Together, these organizations provide a comprehensive approach that marries instructor-led training, online simulations, and AI technologies. This blend facilitates the rapid upskilling of personnel necessary for the evolving industrial landscape.

The company has made significant strides, with over 500,000 individuals trained, pushing the boundaries of workforce development and creating better career and life outcomes. Their accomplishments have been repeatedly recognized, earning accolades such as TIME's 2026 America's Top EdTech Companies and Forbes' 2026 America's Best Startup Employers.

For more insights on the Excellence Awards and the range of finalists showcased this year, interested parties can visit Interplay’s website. With its comprehensive offerings, Interplay Learning continues to lead the charge in crafting a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.