Pryor High School Innovation Center in Pryor, Oklahoma, has partnered with Interplay Learning’s training platform to launch an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program, as per a recent news release.
High school seniors participating in the program will undergo a semester of online courses, receive in-person training from an HVAC instructor, and complete daily internship hours with the school’s maintenance department. This initiative aims to enable students to accrue U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship hours and prepare them for industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA-10 and EPA 608 exams. Additionally, graduates will have continued access to course materials and receive personalized referrals to entry-level positions with local businesses, including program sponsors RAE Corp. and MidAmerica Industrial Park.
The facilities management sector is facing a shortage of skilled labor, exacerbated by factors like an aging workforce and a lack of young talent, according to a report from JLL Technologies. Apprenticeships are increasingly recognized as a vital pathway for addressing this talent gap. In December, the Department of Labor proposed a rule to modernize regulations for registered apprenticeships, emphasizing the promotion of pre-apprenticeship programs and enhancing the portability of occupational skills and training.
Interplay Learning’s HVAC pre-apprenticeship program at Pryor High School is tailored to equip students with industry-ready skills from scratch. The program, offered to two high school seniors each semester, leverages the company’s platform to deliver lessons on HVAC fundamentals and safety through online and video courses, as well as hands-on 3D troubleshooting simulations and virtual reality experiences. Students will receive in-person mentorship from an HVAC instructor and intern with the school’s maintenance department daily, gaining practical experience in maintaining and repairing HVAC and electrical systems.
In February, the Biden administration announced significant grants to expand registered apprenticeship programs, targeting high-demand sectors such as clean energy, hospitality, and supply chain industries, including logistics, warehousing, transportation, and manufacturing.
