A Talent Summit breakfast has been scheduled in Winamac next month.
Continue readingNorthwest Indiana Designated a 21st Century Talent Region
A seven-county region that includes Starke and Pulaski counties is being recognized for its efforts to develop and attract top talent. Northwest Indiana was officially designated as the state’s eighth 21st Century Talent Region during a virtual event Friday.
Continue readingPulaski County Commissioners to Get Election, CARES Act Updates Tonight
The Pulaski County Commissioners will get updates on the 2020 election and CARES Act funding tonight. Clerk JoLynn Behny is expected to give updates on plans for November’s General Election, while County Council Member Kathi Thompson will discuss the CARES money.
Continue readingPulaski County CDC Continues to Explore Busing in Out-of-Town Workers
With fewer and fewer residents to fill jobs, Pulaski County is looking at busing workers in from out-of-town.
Continue readingElectrical Maintenance Training Class Proves Successful for Pulaski County
Last Wednesday, seven employees graduated from an 18 week-long NIMS Electrical Maintenance Training Class. This was the first training class to be offered at this capacity in the nation and it was an incredible success for Pulaski County.
All seven employees had perfect attendance throughout the course. According to Pulaski County Economic Development officials, these individuals demonstrated dedication to their craft and a commitment to continuously work on advancing their skills. Each graduate was awarded a nationally recognized credential issued by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. Employers stated that employees who went through the training are already displaying noticeable results on the job. Continue reading
Starke United Awards $20,000 in Grants
Several Starke County charities are benefiting from grant money from the Starke United Fund. These type of grants are made possible through a partnership with Starke United and the Starke County Community Foundation. There was $20,000 available that was split up among the various local organizations. Continue reading
JAG Students Receive Scholarship Awards
JAG students from nine schools in Northwest Indiana recently received scholarship awards totaling $215,434.
According to Miche Grant, Vice President at the Center of Workforce Innovations and the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, the students who participated in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program will have the opportunity to use this money to help pay for post-secondary education.
ReadyNWI Meeting Planned For Tuesday In Valparaiso
The Center of Workforce Innovations is hosting a meeting for the Regional Education/Employer Alliance for Development Youth of Northwest Indiana to provide information on the Ready to Work–Ready to Hire: College and Readiness Plan for Northwest Indiana.
The plan includes the yet-to-be-announced “big goal,” recommendations on how to strengthen the assessment system for grades 7–12 to align with business expectations, and ensuring rigor in awarding dual credits while students are in high school to guarantee they are ready for college-level work. Further, the plan works to accelerate the attainment of degrees and industry certifications, and emphasizes the importance of alliances among post-secondary education, businesses, economic and workforce development organizations, employers, and local elected officials in fulfilling the plan.
Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke Counties in Need of High School Career Advisors
The Center of Workforce Innovations is in search of qualified individuals willing to serve as advisors for the AmeriCorps Career Advisor initiative. This initiative, which covers seven counties and is going on its second year, will provide Northwest Indiana high school students with career information to assist them in their decision-making process and planning for their future after graduation. United Way of Porter County and AmeriCorps are partnering with the center for this initiative.
Career Advisors will work with teachers and counselors to prepare youth and their families for college, the idea of high wage and high demand careers, as well as lifelong learning. They will also mobilize businesses and community organizations to assist students through the school year and, hopefully, beyond.
