Interplay Learning Announces 2026 Excellence Awards Winners, Honoring Organizations Advancing Workforce Training and Safety

Awards recognize customer-led innovation in training across the skilled trades and industrial sectors

Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive training for the skilled trades and industrial crafts, has announced the winners of the 2026 Interplay Excellence Awards, recognizing customers who are driving measurable impact through workforce training and development. The awards highlight organizations using Interplay and Industrial Training International (ITI) to improve safety outcomes, accelerate skill development and create stronger career pathways for their teams.

“This year’s winners reflect a growing focus on building structured, scalable training programs that support both business performance, workforce development and employee growth,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. “Across industries, these organizations are showing what’s possible when training is treated as a strategic investment, helping teams work more safely, develop skills faster and prepare for long-term success.”

The Interplay Excellence Awards recognize organizations across four key areas of impact. This year’s winners include:

• Industry Excellence Award
  Recognizing customers who have achieved measurable business results, such as growth, efficiency gains or cost savings through training.
  Winner: Mark-Taylor Inc
• Safety Champion Award
  Recognizing customers strengthening workplace safety by reducing risk, reinforcing best practices and building a culture of safety through training.
  Winner: Chumash Casino Resort
• Career Ladder Award
  Recognizing organizations that have built clear, structured pathways for career progression, enabling employees to grow their skills and advance within their roles.
  Winner: Westgate Resorts Inc.
• Better Careers, Better Lives Award
  Recognizing organizations that create meaningful career opportunities and deliver strong learner outcomes across their workforce.
  Winner: Universal Technical Institute

Winners were selected by a panel of industry peers from Interplay’s customer community, including previous Interplay Excellence Award winners and finalists. Judges included Katie Bruggeman (Center for People), Nik Navan (Invitation Homes), Lee Kenney (Hilltop Property Services), Kendell Draughn (Ferguson Enterprises Inc.) and Billy Joe Arie (Performance Contractors), each bringing firsthand experience in workforce training and development.

Winners received a range of prizes designed to support ongoing learning and development, helping them continue to invest in training initiatives and workforce growth.

For more information about the Interplay Excellence Awards, and this year’s finalists, please visit: https://www.interplaylearning.com/interplay-excellence-awards/