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Skills Training with Interplay Learning and Ken Midgett

In this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, Ken Midgett, Plumbing Market Director at Interplay Learning, discusses how simulation-based training software is transforming workforce development in the skilled trades. Drawing on over 40 years as a licensed plumber and his work building an award-winning program at Lehigh County Technical Institute, Midgett explains how gamified simulations attract younger workers and provide safe, effective learning environments. Hosts Greg Crumpton and Gabby Bar explore how these tools can help address the growing skilled trades labor shortage.

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By James Kent · Gabby BarGreg CrumptonInterplay LearningKen Midgett
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Key takeaways

01

Interplay Learning's simulation software uses a gaming-like interface to engage younger generations in skilled trades training.

02

Ken Midgett brings 40+ years of plumbing experience and a background in vocational education to his role shaping plumbing curriculum at Interplay Learning.

03

Simulation-based training offers a safe, scalable way to build foundational skills and raise awareness of trades careers amid a widening workforce gap.

In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosts Greg Crumpton and Gabby Bar learn all about skills training from their guest Ken Midgett, Plumbing Market Director at Interplay Learning. Midgett, a licensed plumber with over forty years of experience, shares his journey from plumbing to education, discussing his work at the Lehigh County Technical Institute and his success in developing an award-winning program. He touches upon the role of Interplay Learning's simulation software in skills training and its resemblance to gaming, which makes it an effective tool for attracting the younger generation. Crumpton and Bar highlight the tool's value for safe and efficient learning and how it can stimulate interest and awareness in various trades, addressing the current industry needs.

Simulation software in skills training and its resemblance to gaming makes it an effective tool for attracting the younger generation.

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About the author

JK
James KentPodcast Host and Content Creator

Dependable leader and Podcaster with more than 12 years of results-oriented brand marketing and agency management experience including a broad range of competencies: Adaptive communication and presentation skills. A manager who coaches, mentors and leads. Ability to successfully work cross-functionally within every level of an organization. Strong focus on innovative marketing solutions. Outstanding client relationship building and strategic account management support. Thrives in fast-paced environments with multiple deliverables. Podcast host and content creator.

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About the Experts

JK
James Kent

Host, Straight Outta Crumpton

James Kent is a producer and host at MarketScale, contributing to the Straight Outta Crumpton podcast. He covers topics related to business services, skilled trades, and workforce development. Kent works alongside Greg Crumpton to bring industry conversations to a broad professional audience.

KM
Ken Midgett

Plumbing Market Director

Interplay Learning

Ken Midgett is a licensed plumber with over forty years of experience in the trades. He has served as an educator at the Lehigh County Technical Institute, where he developed an award-winning plumbing program. At Interplay Learning, he focuses on bringing simulation-based training tools to the plumbing industry.

GC
Greg Crumpton

Host

Straight Outta Crumpton / ServiceLogic

Greg Crumpton is the creator and host of Straight Outta Crumpton, a podcast focused on the art of networking and relationship-building in business services. He is a veteran of the facilities and HVAC services industry and serves in a leadership role at ServiceLogic. He is known for his mantra that relationships drive business.

GB
Gabby Bar

Co-host

MarketScale

Gabby Bar is a host and content contributor at MarketScale, co-hosting episodes of Straight Outta Crumpton. She supports conversations spanning business services, skilled trades, and workforce topics.

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