By State Sen. Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg)
As we continue to assess the impact COVID-19 has had on our state and communities across Senate District 43, Hoosiers should be aware of the many training programs and career improvement opportunities offered by the state.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers a number of grants and training resources for unemployed Hoosiers and to businesses seeking to retain or skill up talent.
The Workforce Ready Grant program gives Indiana residents with a high school diploma, or the equivalent, the opportunity to earn tuition-free, high-value certificates. The certificate programs, which are available through Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University and other approved providers, align with Indiana's five highest demand fields – advanced manufacturing, building/construction, health/life sciences, information-technology/business services and transportation/logistics.
To apply, visit NextLevelJobs.org, click "Next Level Job Seekers" button, then "Connect Now."
The Employer Training Grant reimburses employers who train, hire and retain new or incumbent workers to fill in-demand positions within six priority sectors. The grant reimburses employers up to $5,000 per employee who is trained, hired and retained for six months.
To apply, visit NextLevelJobs.org, and click the "Get Started Now" button.
The Indiana Adult Education program provides math, reading and writing instruction free of charge to help Hoosiers acquire the skills needed to earn a high school equivalency diploma, go to college, or enter an entry-level occupational certificate program.
To learn more, visit in.gov/dwd/career-training-adult-ed/adult-ed.
In addition, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's Teacher Residency Grant program provides post-graduate residencies to school corporations and charter schools who seek to train K-12 educators.
To apply, visit in.gov/che/academic-affairs/teacher-recruitment-programs and click "Request for Proposals."
I strongly encourage those experiencing unemployment to visit Indiana DWD's website to learn of other career training and grant opportunities. To learn more, visit www.in.gov/dwd. More opportunities can be found at IndianaCareerConnect.com and YourNextStepIN.org.
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