Fort Wayne Apprentice Fair to Start
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe two-day Fort Wayne Apprentice Fair starts Wednesday in Fort Wayne. The apprentice programs are in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, where participants can earn an associate's degree.
June 24, 2014
News Release
Fort Wayne, Ind. – On Monday, Jack Morris, District 15 State Senate candidate, joined by the President of the Northeast Indiana Building Trades and community leaders, kicked off a Ft. Wayne Apprentice Fair.
The two-day fair begins Wednesday and is a chance for Hoosiers to get their start in careers paying living wages.
Morris worked with leaders in the Ft. Wayne community to organize the event after conversations he had with Hoosiers revealed a need for careers in fields paying a living wage.
“This apprentice fair is a win-win for our community,” said Morris. “We’re connecting Hoosiers hungry for good paying jobs to folks willing to provide the training and skills they need to succeed.”
The apprentice programs will work closely with Ivy Tech Community College so participants can earn an associate’s degree in conjunction with the program without amassing student loans.
“The cost of higher education is pricing some families out of pursuing their dreams,” noted Morris. “Our aim with this fair is for folks to launch their career and earn a degree debt-free. Too often the odds are stacked against young Hoosiers starting their career, this is one way to ensure they start out on the right track.”
A number of other local organizations have committed to participate in the fair including the Ft. Wayne Urban League, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ft. Wayne and Ivy Tech Community College.
“The Ft. Wayne Urban League has been a part of the community for more than 90 years and our goal is to help urban residents gain and retain employment that will enable them to remain self-sufficient throughout their lives,” said Jonathan Ray, President and CEO, Fort Wayne Urban League. “This program will enable many residents to earn an associate's degree while learning and working.”
“We are excited and appreciative of the opportunity to coordinate efforts in bringing exposure to the construction trade to many of our community’s young people,” commented Joe Jordan President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, “This truly reaches the heart of the matter of serving our young people. Providing hope & opportunity to young people is a critical piece of their development. This is what this collaborative effort is doing: providing a pathway to career opportunities and keeping the hope alive for a chance at a productive life.”
The Apprentice Fair is consistent with how Morris intends to direct the energy of his campaign for State Senate to make a positive difference in the Allen County community. Knowing the need for jobs that pay a living wage and having heard at various economic discussions the expected shortage of skilled workers, Morris approached Kent Prosser of Northeast Indiana Building Trades which led to the apprentice fair.
The Northeast Indiana Apprentice Fair will take place at the Boys and Girls Club 2609 Fairfield Ave., Ft. Wayne on June 25th and 26th from 12:00 P.M. to 5 P.M. each day and is open to everyone.
Source: Fort Wayne Apprentice Fair