trainingSkillsoft announced the availability of Skillsoft Virtual Practice-Labs, a new technology-enabled learning solution that provides IT professionals with hands-on experience with real equipment and applications through a secure, web-based learning environment.

Practice-Labs are available on-demand anytime and allow learners to gain practical experience with a broad range of technologies in a safe and risk-free environment. Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of technology-delivered learning with a long history of innovation and delivering solutions for its customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses.

Presented in response to customer demand for virtual lab training, Skillsoft Virtual Practice-Labs feature a large library that includes 245 modules aligned with 43 IT certification exams from vendors such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco and VMware. The labs completely immerse learners in software and hardware environments, providing a high degree of interactivity to reinforce core and advanced skills with the ability to repeat tasks as necessary. Content is presented using hosted technology that provides an experience similar to a production system, allowing IT professionals to learn and avoid time-consuming and dangerous rework necessary in an actual environment.

“Skillsoft Virtual Practice-Labs can mirror almost any hardware or software configuration, enabling IT professionals to build critical technology skills in safe, virtual environments. By experimenting with live applications, learners retain valuable skills and deliver maximum value to their organisations,” said Priti Shah, director of product management, Skillsoft. “We are excited to provide our customers with an additional modality of learning content delivered in a flexible format as we assist with their continuous learning journey.”

Virtual Practice-Labs provide students with 24×7 remote access to a sandbox environment on live equipment and are available on Skillport 7.2 and higher and on other learning management systems using Skillsoft’s Open Learning Services Architecture (OLSA). The practice labs can be used as standalone learning assets or integrated into blended learning programs as a complement to Skillsoft’s IT courseware, Skillsoft Books24x7 ITPro collection and SkillChoice IT collections.