STATEHOUSE (Oct. 5, 2021) – St. Joseph County lawmakers 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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) 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.
"Indiana is a hotbed for a number of growing fields, from manufacturing to construction and even IT," DeVon said. "Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grants are investments in the thousands of hardworking Hoosiers looking to grow their career and better support themselves and their families."
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. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) 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.
"This program is for those just entering the workforce and anyone looking to embark on a new career," Teshka said. "Additional education and certifications can make all the difference and help job seekers stand out from other applicants as employers look to qualified individuals. This program helps connect Hoosiers ready to work to these programs for free."
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osecola) said to connect to a career in a fast-growing field today, Hoosiers can also visit IndianaCareerReady.com/INDemandJobs. This website helps job seekers easily explore industries experiencing significant growth, both in the number of hires and in rising wages.
"The online web portal makes it easier than ever for Hoosiers to connect with the tools and resources they need to make an educated decision about their future," Wesco said. "I encourage anyone looking to make a career change to check it out and see where a new job can take them."
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.
-30-
State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
