Howard County lawmakers: Indiana expands Next Level Jobs to include more jobseekers, employers

STATEHOUSE (July 15, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more jobseekers and employers, according to Howard 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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo), 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.

"This program has proven to open up opportunities for Hoosiers looking to skill up and find a better paying job," Karickhoff said. "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."    

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:

• Hoosiers with two- and four-year degrees are temporarily eligible to receive full tuition reimbursement for short-term Workforce Ready Grant-eligible programs through Dec. 30;
• Nearly 50 new certificates are temporarily added to the list of eligible programs, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Commercial Driver’s License, Phlebotomy and CNC Machining certifications; and
• The individual funding cap is raised from $5,500 to $10,000 to cover high-quality programs. 

In addition, 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. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said Hoosiers can find out more by visiting NextLevelJobs.org.

"This expansion demonstrates Indiana's commitment to getting our state back on track as we continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," VanNatter said. "More Hoosiers can use Next Level Jobs to earn credentials in high-paying fields and turn this trying time into an opportunity to build on their resumes."

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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties. 

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,

which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.