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CALGARY, ALTA. – A new simulation-based trades training has launched to help combat the labour shortage in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Virtual Trades Inc. is available to employers, training providers, unions and community organizations across the two provinces through a partnership with Austin-based Interplay Learning.

“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,” said Shaun Went, founder of Virtual Trades Inc., in a statement. “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.”

Virtual Trades allows for expanded hands-on learning, it states, without building physical training infrastructure, wasting materials or adding onsite risk. Apprentices and workers can practice across 16 core trades, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC and a range of construction safety courses, “building skill, confidence and repetition in simulation before they step onto a live jobsite,” the release notes.

The platform is now available for programs, licensing and broader implementation across Western Canada.

“Skilled trades employers and workforce partners need training solutions that are scalable, flexible and grounded in real-world practice,” added Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “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.”

Virtual Trades is an Alberta-based SaaS company.

To learn more, click here .