STATEHOUSE (June 3, 2020) — Monroe County lawmakers encourage Hoosiers whose jobs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of tuition-free training grants offered through Indiana's Next Level Jobs program.
Established in 2017 through a law supported by State Reps. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomington), Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), the program provides Workforce Ready Grants to help Indiana residents who have a high school diploma or equivalent but less than a college degree receive training in high-demand job fields. With more than 500,000 Hoosiers filing for unemployment since March, Ellington said these grants could help those who are laid off or furloughed to build on their skills and get a better paying job.
"The shocks to our economy have cost many Hoosiers their jobs while straining their finances," Ellington said. "This program is a beneficial way to learn in-demand trades without going into debt."
Hoosiers can visit NextLevelJobs.org to apply for training grants, which cover the cost of tuition and fees for working adults to earn a high-value certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Mayfield said jobseekers can connect to local training and resources to find jobs in high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
"Given the loss of many jobs during this pandemic, Hoosiers will need the latest skills to be successful in a competitive job market as different sectors of our economy resume," Mayfield said. "Now is a good time to get trained in one of our state's in-demand career fields."
According to Heaton, the Ivy Tech campus in Bloomington offers students the opportunity to earn certificates in numerous careers. For information, visit IvyTech.edu/Bloomington.
"As our economy rebounds from this crisis, we'll need workers who are prepared to fill jobs in some of our most essential industries," Heaton said. "Through Next Level Jobs, our state can better meet local workforce needs by training Hoosiers for the most in-demand careers."
Students interested in attending Ivy Tech have until June 8 to enroll in summer courses. The summer session will run through Aug. 1. Anyone interested in opportunities through Vincennes University have until July 2 to register for the next round of summer courses. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all courses will be offered online.
Businesses in high-demand industries can apply for Employer Training Grants, which provide $5,000 for each employee who is trained, hired and retained for six months.
Hoosiers can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for a Workforce Ready Grant or Employer Training Grant at NextLevelJobs.org. Anyone who needs help with the application process can call 317-715-9007 to speak one-on-one with a financial aid expert for free through INvestEd.
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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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
She is the assistant majority floor leader and serves on the
House Ways and Means, Public Policy and Insurance committees.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
