STATEHOUSE (July 17, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more job seekers and employers, according to Grant County lawmakers.
Indiana is directing nearly $40 million from the federal CARES Act to expand the program's eligibility, offerings and funding caps for Workforce Ready Grants and Employer Training Grants.
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero), who supported the 2017 law establishing the Next Level Jobs program, said the new funding opens doors for more Hoosiers, especially those out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since the pandemic hit Indiana, many Hoosiers may find themselves looking or needing to take a different career path," Cook said. "Opportunities are available right now to build on your skills and boost your resume, so you can take that next step with confidence."
More than $20 million of the CARES Act funding will allow a minimum of 10,000 additional Hoosiers to utilize the Workforce Ready Grant as the program temporarily expands:
"This program has proven to open up opportunities for Hoosiers looking to skill up and find a better-paying job," said State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo). "Some may be out of work or looking to change careers, and these grants can pave the way, especially if the cost of tuition is a prohibitive factor for those wanting additional training."
In addition, Karickhoff said the Employer Training Grant, administered by the Department of Workforce Development, will be temporarily expanded to support more businesses that train new employees, and upskill or reskill workers. The maximum amount of funding available to an employer increased from $50,000 to $100,000, and $5 million will specifically support minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said Hoosiers can find out more by visiting NextLevelJobs.org.
"Next Level Jobs is especially designed to help working-age adults who need certification, but are balancing other responsibilities," Vermilion said. "For those affected financially by the pandemic, this is a great opportunity as you can earn these certificates tuition free."
Since its inception, the Workforce Ready Grant has enrolled over 25,000 people in high-demand, tuition-free certificate programs, with over 13,300 Hoosiers completing a Workforce Ready-eligible certificate program. Individuals who have completed a certificate program have seen an average wage increase of $6,400 a year. The Employer Training Grant has served more than 530 employers and trained nearly 9,000 employees.
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State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
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State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
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