Workforce Ready Grant and Adult Education Fair on December 2
Education and new skill acquisition are critical components to building a workforce that will refine and develop an already growing economy. Workers in Indiana have more opportunities now than ever to be part of this new, technologically integrated workforce. The State of Indiana has set a goal for 60 percent of Hoosier adults to have post-high school education by 2025.
The State of Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant lets workers from many different fields develop their skills beyond the high school level by providing free training programs in industries such as advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
To get started, applicants who meet certain qualifications must complete an online survey and provide information including where in Indiana the applicant lives, current education level, which high-growth field the applicant is interested in, where the applicant can start training, and scheduling options for classes.
After submitting the survey, the applicant will be informed which programs in Indiana best match their needs. The applicant must contact the training provider they have chosen. The applicant may be required by the training provider to fill out a FASFA form.
The final step of this process is for the applicant to enroll in a qualifying certificate program at the approved training provider. Next Level Jobs provides details on qualifications and applying for the Workforce Ready Grant on their website.
Employers in Johnson County would benefit greatly from this program as it would improve and expand the local talent pool. Educational institutions and schools in the area can take part in this initiative as well.
A core part of Aspire’s Economic Strategic Plan is providing the local workforce with the resources they need to skill up and become more competitive in the current high-tech labor market.
Aspire is launching an adult education fair to help strengthen our adult workforce by expanding on skills through additional education.
“Aspire identified workforce as a top five area of focus for our economic development efforts, from developing our workforce pipeline to attracting talent to Johnson County and upskilling our existing workforce to address the continued needs of our employers,” said Amanda Rubadue, Vice President of Economic Development at Aspire.
“The adult education fair allows us to showcase the upskilling opportunities here locally, giving our residents upward mobility and more earning potential,” she said. “Our relationship with Earlywood and the 3E grant has allowed our workforce development efforts to shift into high gear, with a greater reach into our schools and businesses and the capacity to impact the workforce of the future.”
The adult education fair will take place at the Greenwood Park Mall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on December 2. Aspire will provide 10 tables to host education providers from around the community who will share important information on their various programs. For more information, contact Aspire’s school-to-work specialist Jennifer Hollingshead at jhollingshead@aspirejohnsoncounty.com.