Artificial Intelligence Can Help Technicians In The Real World
By Dan Clapper
Innovative AI models can help skilled trade organizations reimagine workforce development
The skilled labor shortage is one of the most urgent crises facing the global economy. In the United States, demand for skilled trades services continues to surge. At the same time, organizations across a range of industries, including residential and commercial contractors, construction, hospitality, facilities management, health care and multifamily management struggle to fill skilled positions.
One of the most discussed technology innovations of recent decades could prove to transform the skilled trades workforce. The early application of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades industries suggests that AI has the potential to dramatically improve how skilled technicians train and work – and to empower organizations with an unprecedented tool to enhance how they hire, train and retain the skilled talent they need to thrive and grow.
Artificial intelligence itself is not the answer. Companies that haphazardly implement the latest or most popular AI product probably won’t see the same transformative results that strategic, informed adopters enjoy. But decision makers who engage with AI applications that enhance learning and employee experience may have a powerful new way to address ongoing labor crisis.
Interplay Learning’s SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor), the industry’s first artificial intelligence-powered virtual training mentor for technicians, helps technicians gain skills faster by giving them immediate guidance when learning. The AI leverages the company’s knowledge base, advanced career development platform, and realistic 3D simulations, which are considered the gold standard in skilled trades training.
The AI isn’t a cheat sheet. It doesn’t just provide quick answers. It’s responses are based on the Socratic method, asking questions and engaging in dialogue in order to lead users to a deeper, fuller understanding of each situation.
The interactive process is designed to help users not only complete a task but to learn and apply critical thinking skills so they understand why the solution works. Each interaction with the program is another step in a continuous learning journey, adding information and insight to technicians’ existing knowledge.
Providing quick and easy answers can undermine learning in the long run. Users are trained to rely on the app, rather than using the app to elevate their own skills. Thee AI asks questions and provides additional context to help learners comprehend the content while also sharpening their critical thinking.
Additionally, the app meets techs where they are and provides assistance to suit their specific needs. It’s like having an approachable mentor who doesn’t get frustrated with questions, no matter how basic they are. If learners get stuck, the program can help them move to the next best step so they don’t get discouraged and stop learning.
Thee AI support Interplay’s “recruit, ramp, and retain” model, designed to address persistent challenges and help companies reimagine the way they approach workforce development. The use of innovative, virtual reality training vies organizations a competitive edge and can attract amore diverse pool of workers and retain them longer – all important advantages in an industry dealing with a significant labor shortage.
Dan Clapper is commercial HVAC and facilities maintenance market director for Interplay Learning, a leading provider of online and VR training for the essential skilled trades. He has more than 25 years of experience in HVAC service and installation, wholesale sales and distribution and manufacturer training.
