Overview

The expansion of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities across the region through increased internship and apprenticeship programs has been identified as a priority in the Ignite the Region economic development plan as well as the 21st Century Talent Region initiative. These types of programs benefit employers, students, and job seekers. This project seeks to expand the number of internship, apprenticeship, and other work-based learning opportunities in the region. Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) currently serves as an intermediary for registered apprenticeship programs in Northwest Indiana, and employs a full-time apprenticeship coordinator to build partnerships with companies. CWI and WBL coordinators will work with established regional partnerships such as READY NWI, local trade unions, the Indiana Plan, and industry sector employer partnerships as well as statewide initiatives such as the Indiana Chamber's Work and Learn Indiana program and the State office of Work-based Learning and Apprenticeship (OWBLA). This project will directly fund wages, training costs, and supportive services for program participants as well as staff wages to develop and manage new programs. The project will fund programs through 2026. This project will result in the hiring of a project lead who will be responsible for tracking program participants. Major outcomes of the project will be 100 participants completing WBL opportunities in the region over the life of the grant.