Worker Training & Placement

ACT Certified Work Ready Community Initiative

ACT’s Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC) initiative starts at the grassroots level providing a community-based framework that:

  • Links workforce development to education
  • Aligns with the economic development needs of communities, regions, and states
  • Matches individuals to jobs based on skills

The foundation of a community’s certification is based on individuals at the county level across the current, transitioning, and emerging workforce earning an ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and employers recognizing that certification. The NCRC is a portable industry-recognized credential that clearly identifies an individual’s skills in workplace documents, applied math and graphic literacy – skills required for 77% of jobs based on ACT’s research.

By participating in ACT’s CWRC initiative, counties, regions, and states are helping:

  • Business and industry know exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce – and to easily communicate their needs
  • Individuals to understand what skills are required by employers – and how to prepare themselves for success
  • Policy makers consistently measure the skills gap in a timely manner at the national, state and local levels
  • Educators close the skills gap, via tools integrated into career pathways with stackable, industry-recognized credentials
  • Economic developers use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of their workforce

Wayne County is among 6 counties in East Central Indiana to earn CWRC certification.

Eastern Indiana Works

Eastern Indiana Works (EIW) is eager to help strengthen the workforce in our community through serving employers and job seekers. EIW provides assistance with education, training, resumes, interviewing skills, and various other support services to help people find employment. Wayne County residents can work with a career coach by visiting EIW – the Wayne County office is located at 2320 National Road West, Richmond; visiting Cambridge City “Direct Connect POD”; or by accessing the Direct Connect virtual office from any device through eiwdc.easyvirtualfair.com. And visit our website at www.easternindianaworks.org.

Economic Growth Group (EGG) Workforce Development Training

New and existing businesses in Wayne County that have been denied funding, or that have received partial funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, or the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County may apply for skills training funds. These funds may be used for basic skills training, customized skills training, computer training, interpersonal and leadership skills, and programs to develop communication skills.

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech is Indiana’s Community College serving Hoosiers in 43 locations spanning the state, including Richmond. It is the largest singularly accredited community college in the country and serves over 177,000 students annually as well as 70,000+ high school students. Ivy Tech works directly with community stakeholders and employer partners to align program offerings to meet market demand. In addition, Ivy Tech is experienced in the delivery of customized skills training for local workers without needing to leave the region, or even the workplace. Whether it’s the latest computer applications upgrade, safety training, training for new manufacturing or processing equipment, or working to develop key leadership skills, the college’s Career Link team works on a project-by-project basis with each employer to meet their needs in real time. Training can be customized using client materials and equipment and can be delivered any day of the week, any hour of the day, on campus, or at the workplace to suit the needs of the employer.

Next Level Jobs

Next Level Jobs is part of Governor Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Indiana agenda to continue the positive momentum of our state. Indiana is taking its workforce to the next level with a focus on the high-priority industries and high-demand jobs driving Indiana’s 21st Century Economy forward. The program has two components:

Workforce Ready Grant – Free training for working-age Hoosiers in the state’s highest demand jobs. These industries have higher median salaried jobs and are rapidly growing in Indiana. Sectors include:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Building and Construction
  • Health and Life Sciences
  • Information Technology and Business Services
  • Transportation and Logistics

Employer Training Grant – Employers in any high demand business sectors can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for each new employee that is trained, hired, and retained for six months. There is a $25,000 cap for each employer and the jobs must be middle skill, high-demand and high-wage jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than an associate degree.

Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Purdue’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) provides high value, affordable solutions to help businesses increase profitability and productivity. As advocates for Indiana business and organizations, their staff leverages resources in both the public and private sectors to help identify areas of improvement, streamline processes, and ultimately increase competitiveness.

Your Next Step Indiana

Your Next Step Indiana is a central resource hub, launched by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, that allows Hoosiers to easily connect with tools to take their next step to education and training or to a new or better job. The program is part of Indiana’s efforts to reach it’s goal of having at least 60 percent of Hoosiers with quality education or training beyond high school by 2025. Education and training resources highlighted on the Your Next Step website include the state’s Next Level Jobs program, Learn More Indiana, You Can Go Back, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University and 180 Skills. Hoosiers can also get connected to employment resources and supportive services, such as healthcare, childcare, and local assistance.