STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2017) – Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Karickhoff said while Indiana’s unemployment rate is near record low, employers in high-need, high-wage fields are searching for qualified workers. To meet immediate and future workforce demands, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently launched the Next Level Jobs initiative, which includes nextleveljobs.org and two new grant programs.
“We currently have job openings around Indiana that require specially trained employees,” Karickhoff said. “We need to increase our efforts to prepare Hoosiers for jobs that are available today and for the new jobs that are being created. Employers are expected to provide 1 million more positions over the next decade that will require post-secondary education to fulfill.”
The website connects job seekers with local training and resources to find jobs in high-demand industries. VanNatter said while a two- or four-year degree isn’t for everyone, Workforce Ready Grants cover the costs of tuition for working adults earning a high-value certificate at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University. Karickhoff and VanNatter supported the legislation creating the grant.
“In the future, more jobs will require training that goes beyond a high school diploma, and we want Hoosier workers to meet that need,” said VanNatter. “The Workforce Ready Grant will make it easier for working adults to acquire the skills necessary to fill higher-salaried jobs in one of the needed fields.”
According to the Department of Workforce Development, 1 million job openings are expected in Indiana by 2025 and, of those, about 400,000 will be in high-wage, high-need fields. These industries include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
To help employers in these industries train and retain workers, the new Employer Training Grant will provide up to $2,500 per new employee to qualifying companies.
Over the next two years, these grant programs will provide roughly $20 million to help Hoosier workers and employers meet workforce demands.
Information and applications for both grants can be found online at nextleveljobs.org.
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Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff can be downloaded by clicking here.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton Counties.
A high-resolution photo of VanNatter can be downloaded by clicking here.
