New Simulation-Based Trades Training Launched in Alberta and Saskatchewan to Address Labour Shortage

📅 2 weeks ago

Virtual Trades Inc. partners with Interplay Learning to offer an innovative training platform aimed at alleviating the skilled labour shortage in Western Canada, enabling hands-on learning without physical infrastructure.

CALGARY, ALTA. – A novel simulation-driven trades training initiative has been introduced to tackle the pressing labour shortage in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Virtual Trades Inc., an Alberta-based software as a service (SaaS) company, has formed a partnership with Interplay Learning, an Austin-based organization, to make this training platform accessible to employers, training providers, unions, and community organizations throughout these two provinces. In a statement, Shaun Went, the founder of Virtual Trades Inc., remarked, "Western Canada has a major opportunity in front of it, however, opportunity means very little if organizations cannot access the workforce they need to deliver. Virtual Trades was built to help close that gap. We are bringing immersive trades training to Western Canada so employers, educators, unions, and community partners can build capability faster, improve safety, and create stronger pathways into the skilled construction trades." The Virtual Trades platform allows for enhanced hands-on learning experiences without the need to construct physical training infrastructure, thereby mitigating material waste and reducing on-site risks. It provides apprentices and workers the chance to practice in 16 core trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, as well as various construction safety courses. This enables them to "build skill, confidence, and repetition in simulation before they step onto a live jobsite," as highlighted in the release. The platform is now available for programs, licensing, and broader implementation across Western Canada. Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning, added, "Skilled trades employers and workforce partners need training solutions that are scalable, flexible, and grounded in real-world practice. We are pleased to partner with Virtual Trades to extend immersive training access in Western Canada and help more organizations prepare workers with the skills and confidence needed to succeed."

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