Last Updated on September 30, 2016 by cassnetwork
KOKOMO, Ind. – Industries from the North Central region of Indiana now have the opportunity to re-skill and up-skill their current employees with the help of a $250,000 federal grant. The North Central Indiana Regional Incumbent Worker Program focuses on providing basic skills education, machining skills training, and maintenance skills training for workers of employers operating within the North Central region (Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties).
Under the grant, training will be provided by Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region and the Region 4 Workforce Board.
The Region 4 Workforce Board, through the local WorkOne offices, is offering basic jobs skills training and assessments to assist employers with the hiring, training and development of a highly skilled workforce. This on-line training and assessment tool will help employees build the necessary skills to develop a successful career pathway. There is no charge for companies and employees who meet the eligibility requirements.
Ivy Tech Kokomo Region is offering training courses in CNC (computer numerical control) machining and industrial maintenance. Classes are available at the Kokomo and Logansport campuses. On-site training may be available, depending on the need and situation of the employer. Portions of the cost of these programs are covered by the grant.
Each of the three training programs will prepare participants to take examinations that can result in portable, national or industry-recognized credentials, including ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) CNC Operator Certification Level 1, and industrial maintenance certification through the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Interested industries operating within Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami or Tipton counties should contact their county economic development organization for additional information.
Cass County:
Christy Householder
Economic Development Director Cass County
200 Court Park, Room 205
Logansport, IN 46947
FAX: 574-732-2591
christy.householder@co.cass.in.us
The program is funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Steven Ray, executive director of the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council, said the funding is aimed at employers who demonstrate that training is necessary to retain jobs, increase skill levels of incumbent workers to increase job promotion/opportunities, or to support an expansion.
“This funding is especially important as older workers begin to retire, leaving a gap in people with the skills that area companies need to be successful,” Ray said. “We have an aging workforce and Baby Boomers are hitting retirement age. A lot of skills and experience will be lost.”
SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College