STATEHOUSE (Oct. 5, 2021) – Hendricks 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. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) 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.
"With job opportunities available throughout central Indiana, now could be the right time to consider skilling up and making a career shift," Thompson said. "Hoosiers have access to programs and resources that make it easier than ever before to obtain additional education or earn a certification, which could lead to a higher-paying job."
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. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) 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.
"Whether preparing for your first job, re-entering the workforce or changing careers, Next Level Jobs can help you take the next step," Steuerwald said. "The job market is hot right now, and it’s the perfect time to skill up and build your career."
State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) said to connect to a career in a fast-growing field today, Hoosiers can also visit IndianaCareerReady.com/INDemandJobs. He said this website helps job seekers easily explore industries experiencing significant growth, both in the number of hires and in rising wages.
"Employers are looking for qualified individuals to join their team and work in a number of high-wage, high-demand industries," Behning said. "There are countless job opportunities in our area that you could qualify for or receive a Workforce Ready Grant to gain the skills needed to be successful. The INDemand Jobs portal features job postings as well as the requirements for landing those positions. With a few clicks, you could be on your way to securing a new job."
High-demand jobs in Indiana include nurses, accountants, computer systems analysts, construction managers, electricians, plumbers and software developers. 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. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Marion counties.
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State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) represents House District 40,
which includes a portion of Hendricks County.
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State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
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