New Program Offers Construction Training, Certification
(photo courtesy of Paul Brennan/Pixabay)
Three Indianapolis organizations are teaming up to create a construction training, certification, and job placement assistance program for the city’s near west and northwest neighborhoods. The Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, Hawthorne Community Center, and Browning Investments are partnering to launch “Build Your NW,” a program that will train individuals to enter the construction industry.
The partners say program participants will obtain jjob-ready skills, soft skills, workplace success, networking opportunities, and access to higher-paying careers.
The ICRF says the collaboration comes at a time when the state is in need of construction workers. The foundation anticipates the state will have more than 140,000 construction job openings by 2026, but not enough workers to fill those openings.
“The significant building efforts underway at 16 Tech mean there are numerous construction jobs available to Near Westside residents, and ‘Build Your NW’ will give them skills and certifications they need to qualify for those jobs,” said Nate Klinck, executive director of The Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation. “Partnering with the Hawthorne Center and Browning will help ensure our training program is a success.”
“Build Your NW” will be free for students who live in the 46202, 46208, 46221, 46222, 46224, and 46241 zip codes. The ICRF says tuition and required COVID-19 and jobsite personal protective equipment will be funded by the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, which for the first time will use TIF District training funds for residents of a specific area.
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from construction professionals involved with Browning’s 16 Tech development projects. In addition to being able to visit an active 16 Tech job site, members of the Browning-Davis construction team will visit classes to educate students about construction skills, opportunities and careers.
The program will include 16 classes starting August 5. You can find more information by clicking here.