STATEHOUSE (June 4, 2020) – Morgan 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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and John Young (R-Franklin), 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, Mayfield said these grants could help those who are laid off or furloughed to build on their skills and get a better paying job.
"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."
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. State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) said job seekers 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.
"This pandemic has caused so many disruptions in Hoosiers' employment and livelihoods," Baird said. "If there's a silver lining, this crisis presents an opportunity for many to take advantage of free training to add to their skill sets and find a better-paying job as the economy bounces back."
The Ivy Tech campuses in Mooresville and Indianapolis offer students the opportunity to earn certificates in numerous careers. For information, visit IvyTech.edu and search for each campus to see available certifications.
Young said 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.
"A strong workforce is key to a strong economy," Young said. "Next Level Jobs provides Hoosiers opportunities to pursue a high-demand job without taking on debt. Those who earn credentials now can set themselves up for a better-paying job in the future."
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 May 26 to register for the first round of summer courses and the second round of enrollment is open until July 2. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all courses will be offered online.
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. 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. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
