Holcomb Growing Next Level Jobs Initiative

(image courtesy WTHR-TV)

Governor Eric Holcomb’s office is touting the early success of the state’s Next Level Jobs initiative. Since its launch in August, the effort has provided more than $5 million to nearly 250 employers throughout the state to assist with training about 2,300 workers. During a roundtable discussion at Custom Concrete in Westfield, one of the employers receiving funding, Holcomb announced plans to enhance the Next Level Jobs employer training grant.

The state plans to double the funds available per employee trained from $2,500 to $5,000 and increase the total amount available per employer from $25,000 to $50,000. Participating employers receive the funding as reimbursement for employees who are trained and retained for at least six months.

"We’re seeing firsthand today the ways Next Level Jobs is working for Indiana employers," Holcomb said in a news release. "The feedback we’ve received from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive and useful. They’re helping us identify ways the Next Level Jobs initiative can be stronger and put more Hoosiers to work in better paying jobs faster."

Holcomb’s office is implementing additional changes to streamline the initiative by making the grants easier for employers to use. The changes include opening the grant for employers to also include existing employees who receive training that leads to increased work responsibilities and higher wages. Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne says the enhancements will incentivize employees to skill-up at the current place of work.

Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo rolled out the plan last year, saying the state would provide $20 million in grants over two years. You can learn more about the Next Level Jobs Initiative by clicking here.