Daviess County lawmakers urge Hoosiers to connect to free training, careers in fast-growing fields

Posted by: Wade Coggeshall and Adam Aasen  | Wednesday, September 29, 2021

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 29, 2021) – Daviess County legislators urge Hoosiers to join the thousands who are already taking advantage of Indiana's Next Level Jobs certificate program to skill up at no cost and obtain a higher-paying job.

With many high-wage positions requiring specially trained workers, State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) said Hoosiers can skill up for free with a Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant, which covers tuition costs for those earning a high-value certificate from Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Since launching in 2017, more than 50,000 Hoosiers have enrolled to complete a high-demand certificate program through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant.

"Whether searching for your first job, re-entering the workforce or planning a career change, there are many high-paying, in-demand positions available throughout Indiana," Lindauer said. "Next Level Jobs gives Hoosiers the opportunity and the resources to take that first step on an exciting new career path."

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, those who earn a Workforce Ready Grant certificate see an annual median wage increase of $6,800.

State Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomington) said the program is designed so that participants can continue to work while earning a certificate in 1 of 5 in-demand job fields, including health and life sciences, IT and business services, building and construction, transportation and logistics, and advanced manufacturing. To learn more about Workforce Ready Grants, visit NextLevelJobs.org.

"Indiana needs to build on its labor force in order to prepare for the increasingly technical jobs coming to our state," Ellington said. "Next Level Jobs is a tremendous resource for residents seeking better employment, and for businesses requiring workers with updated skills."

State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) said to connect to a career in a fast-growing field today, Hoosiers can also visit IndianaCareerReady.com/INDemandJobs. This website helps job seekers easily explore industries experiencing significant growth, both in the number of hires and in rising wages. High-demand jobs in Indiana include nurses, accountants, computer systems analysts, construction managers, electricians, plumbers and software developers.

"There are so many rewarding career paths available that don't require a four-year degree," Borders said. "Great jobs are waiting for Hoosiers who are willing to add more skills to their toolbox."

The web portal offers a sortable list displaying the educational requirements, average salary, job postings and training opportunities for each occupation. 

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State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R- Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes portions of Daviess, Dubois, Pike and Martin counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomington) represents House District 62,
which includes portions of Greene, Monroe, Martin and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45, which includes
all of Sullivan County and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
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here to download a high-resolution photo.