Interplay Learning has released its 2025 State of Skilled Trades Training Report, outlining how simulation-based instruction is helping employers train technicians more quickly and address ongoing labor shortages.
The research shows nearly seven in 10 companies are preparing technicians faster with immersive learning, saving an average of more than four months compared with traditional methods. About two-thirds of employers reported improvements in training speed after adopting digital and simulation-based tools.
A lack of time for on-the-job training remains a widespread challenge, but the report notes an 83% year-over-year increase in meaningful training time during early 2025 as more workers access training across devices.
Digital training is also linked to higher retention. More than half of surveyed workers said they were more likely to stay in their current jobs after using immersive learning tools.
The report points to strong adoption among younger workers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who tend to adapt quickly to digital learning environments and accelerated training models.
