#United States #Austin #Workforce Development #Interplay Learning #Orijin

Expanding Opportunities in Workforce Training

Orijin, a prominent technology company dedicated to evidence-based learning and workforce development in correctional settings, has embraced a new chapter in its collaboration with Interplay Learning, an esteemed provider of immersive skills training. This expanded partnership aims to substantially boost workforce development prospects for individuals impacted by the justice system, introducing a total of 15 new learning pathways. This enhancement focuses on pre-apprenticeship programs and additional skilled trades training, empowering individuals for sustainable careers upon their release from incarceration.

Having previously established a successful partnership, Orijin and Interplay Learning have effectively been offering foundational training through Orijin's secure platform. The most recent strides taken in this alliance mark a significant improvement, as they roll out comprehensive learning pathways that not only increase the number of available courses but also enrich them. Participants can now access extensive training in essential trades such as HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and facilities maintenance—all crucial skills that are in high demand in today’s job market.

The backbone of this initiative lies in its commitment to providing safe and controlled access to training through digital tablets within correctional facilities. The expansion includes structured pre-apprenticeship opportunities, helping individuals to integrate into the workforce more smoothly. These programs focus on imparting practical skills that meet industry standards, thereby heightening the chances of employability and minimizing the hurdles faced when seeking jobs post-incarceration.

Arti Finn, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Orijin, stated, _"This partnership expansion represents a significant step in breaking down employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals."_ By including pre-apprenticeships and comprehensive training options in their offerings, the organizations aim to do more than just educate; they strive to provide real, actionable pathways that lead to sustainable careers and long-lasting success.

The platform curated by Orijin is designed to facilitate an immersive learning experience, allowing individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities to undertake hands-on training in a secure environment. This extensive training catalog effectively complements Orijin's existing educational content, which encompasses employability readiness programs, ESL courses, and financial literacy training, thereby promoting a holistic approach to preparing for re-entry into society.

Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning, emphasized the importance of accessible training, asserting, _"Through our partnership with Orijin, we are making high-quality skills training more accessible to justice-involved individuals who are eager to build stable careers."_ This sentiment echoes the shared vision aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary tools to reintegrate successfully into the workforce.

As both Orijin and Interplay Learning forge ahead in this partnership, they remain resolute in their commitment to fostering career readiness among justice-involved individuals. Their collaborative efforts are dedicated to empowering these individuals with the skills and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment upon their release. The ongoing partnership signals a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals, ultimately striving to create a brighter, more inclusive workforce.

About Interplay Learning

Interplay Learning stands at the forefront of immersive learning applications tailored for skilled trades. With an impressive history that includes the acquisition of Industrial Training International (ITI), a global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions, Interplay Learning harnesses a unique combination of instructor-led training, online simulations, and advanced technologies like AI and VR to elevate workforce competency.

Boasting a record of nearly 600,000 trained individuals, Interplay is committed to shaping the future of workforce development by ensuring that each participant can build better careers and enhance their quality of life. For further details, visit Interplay Learning.

About Orijin

Founded in 2014, Orijin aims to break the cycle of incarceration by preparing every individual impacted by the justice system for successful career paths. Utilizing a robust, cloud-based learning and communications platform distributed securely across numerous correctional facilities nationwide, Orijin operates as a public benefit corporation and Certified B Corporation. Most importantly, they provide their services without charging individuals or their families. For more insights, check out Orijin.