Northern Indiana Work Force Initiative Underway
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSeveral northern Indiana cities and organizations are joining together on a new work force training initiative. Supporting Manufacturers and Regional Talent aims to better align the skills of prospective workers with available jobs. January 9, 2014
News Release
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The City of South Bend, in conjunction with the City of Mishawaka, the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, Ivy Tech Community College, WorkOne, and a number of local businesses, will participate in the new workforce training initiative, Supporting Manufacturers and Regional Talent (SMART).
“We listened to area manufacturers who told us there are jobs available, but often the candidate pool does not have the relevant skills to immediately contribute,” says Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “SMART will help residents obtain the necessary skills to excel in existing job opportunities. This more experienced workforce will then help employers grow and create more jobs.”
WorkOne is currently taking applications. To apply, please call WorkOne at 574-237-9675 ext. 1088. Forty-eight people will be chosen to participate in one of four 12-week sessions in 2014. Participants will be trained through Ivy Tech as skilled workers in manufacturing. In the future, SMART hopes to add additional programs in healthcare and technology services.
SMART also merges various local employer advisory boards into one council to provide a unified local effort in job creation.
“We’re working with businesses to understand their needs and provide support to meet them,” says Scott Ford, Executive Director of Community Investment. “The SMART program represents a big step toward developing the skilled workforce necessary to help job seekers and local companies succeed.”
Source: The City of South Bend