Austin, TX– Interplay Learning, the leading provider of online training for skilled trades utilizing virtual reality (VR) and 3D simulations, announced that Rheem Manufacturing recently introduced its on-demand online virtual reality courses in Rheem Academy. While contractor training is the focus of much of this content, it also offers continuing education units (CEUs) for NATE certifications, a significant benefit to contractors.
The addition of 46 new courses helps Rheem offer more user-friendly and job-relevant training for contractors and members of their Pro Partners program. This modernization of Rheem’s online curriculum focuses on 3D simulations and virtual reality-based learning to ensure the company has leading-edge training for their entire ecosystem.
Phil Oglesby, Manager of Education and Content Development at Rheem Manufacturing, stated, “The biggest benefit of this partnership with Interplay Learning is that it gives our big, job-specific course catalog an overnight upgrade.” He explained that Rheem wants to be an excellent partner to their distributors, and offering them strong educational features and benefits is crucial. Oglesby continued, “Rheem feels responsible for training a new generation of technicians to bridge the skills gap.”
“We look forward to seeing how our partnership with Rheem will drive value to the company and its distributors by increasing participation in their online training program,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning.
Part of that training is geared toward shifting technology. An innovative leader in the industry, Rheem has launched several bold sustainability initiatives, including the goal to train 250 thousand industry professionals on sustainable products or sustainable installation and recycling best practices by 2025. Robust on-demand educational resources help make this goal attainable.
With over 3,000 online training course completions in 2020, Rheem Academy is reaching ever-larger numbers of technicians and looking towards future expansion. Custom courses are planned for the future, promising to bring an even higher value to the already industry-leading online training platform.
About Interplay Learning
Founded in 2016, Interplay Learning is the leading global provider of online training and virtual reality courses for the essential skilled trades. The Austin, Texas-based firm develops and delivers scalable, highly effective digital learning simulations for the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar and Facilities Maintenance workforce. Using the digital experiential learning platform, Interplay Learning allows its customers to practice hands-on learning and train to be job-ready in weeks, not years. The company was named to the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, won the AI Breakthrough Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality for Enterprise Applications, and is an AHR Expo – Innovations Awards 2020 Winner. Interplay Learning is building better training, better careers and better lives for its customers and their employees. Welcome to the next generation of the skilled labor workforce. Visit https://www.interplaylearning.com/ to learn more.
About Rheem Manufacturing
Brothers Richard and Donald Rheem founded Rheem Manufacturing Company in Emeryville, CA, in 1925. While the company has produced a number of products in its nearly 100 years of operation, Rheem is currently the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products, and it is the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America.