Regional Updates :: Fall 2007
About this Newsletter
Welcome to the fourth issue of our email newsletter profiling activities on a regional basis taking place within Indiana’s workforce development system.
As you know, the state of Indiana is divided into eleven workforce development regions. These new regions went into effect along with many other changes to the workforce delivery system on July 1, 2006.
This newsletter is designed to better inform policy makers, workforce and economic development officials and others of various workforce development activities and initiatives that took place within each region during the third quarter of 2007.
Click on region for local information
Region 1 Counties: Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke
- Training Acceleration Grants
Eight grants were awarded under the Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) program totaling $527,339. The grants will train 134 incumbent workers in mechanical maintenance, journey level upgrades, journeyman electrician, advanced manufacturing, Microsoft certifications, healthcare and nursing certificates and Cisco certifications.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from The Intec Group, Inc of Morocco are receiving services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of workforce and career services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Portage Hosts Career Expo
The second annual Portage Career Expo was held on Thursday, September 13, in the Oakwood Grand Hall at Woodland Park in Portage.
More than 150 job-seekers attended and met with representatives from 26 employers, including BP Amoco, Porter County Police and US Steel. Among the educational institutions participating were Ivy Tech Community College and University of Phoenix.
- Nursing and teaching among hot regional jobs
Registered nurses, postsecondary teachers and elementary and kindergarten school teachers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region One Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 2 Counties: Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, St. Joseph
- Training Acceleration Grants
Eleven grants were awarded totaling $1,113,518 under the Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) program. The grants will train 737 incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing and information technology certifications, several associate degrees, human resource and payroll certifications and production and engineering technician apprenticeships.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from three firms in the region - Easy Heat in New Carlisle, VyTech, Industries Inc. in Elkhart, and Vitco, LLC in Nappanee - are receiving services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Strategic Skills Initiative
A Respiratory Therapist associates degree and certification program began at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend in August. The program has received initial accreditation and has enrolled 19 candidates. Partnerships between Ivy Tech Community College, Memorial Hospital, the regional workforce board, and other institutions resulted in an equipped, respiratory therapist training laboratory facility for the region. By 2010, it has been projected that most of the current regional shortage of hospital-based Respiratory Therapists will have been alleviated.
- Master’s Degree in Nursing to be offered at IU South Bend
The Commission for Higher Education recently approved a new master’s degree in nursing program at Indiana University South Bend. The program is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2008. The master's degree program will boost the university’s capability to educate and prepare registered nurses at the bachelor's degree level, and help grow the region’s pipeline of qualified nurses.
- Nursing and teaching among hot regional jobs
Registered nurses, postsecondary teachers and elementary and kindergarten school teachers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Two Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 3 Counties: Adams, Allen, De Kalb, Grant, Huntington, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, Whitley
- Training Acceleration Grants
Fourteen grants were awarded totaling $1,507,941 under the state’s Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) program. The grants will result in the training of 1,011 incumbent workers in information technology, advanced manufacturing, Six Sigma and career development certifications, industrial apprenticeships, associate degrees, and journeyman upgrades.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from Alcoa Auto and Truck Structures in Auburn are receiving assistance under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Strategic Skills Initiative
The Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, partnering with Ivy Tech Community College, Taylor University, JobWorks and regional industry leaders, are implementing a regional workforce development initiative in the field of transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL). The Marion-Grant County Chamber has been marketing the program regionally. Initial response from industry leaders has been positive, with many pledging to send employees through the program. In another SSI activity, Ivy Tech recently certified instructors in the Georgia-based Certified Warehousing and Distribution Specialist program. Ivy Tech Community College Marion has launched the first Warehouse Management certificate program in the state, providing comprehensive training for eight displaced workers. Ivy Tech is projecting 65 program participants and more than 50 credentials to be achieved by the end of 2008.
- Nurses, teachers and data analysts are among hot regional jobs
Registered nurses, postsecondary teachers and network systems and data communications analysts are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
- Strategic Skills Initiative Update
The region recently partnered with officials from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne in developing a Logistics Boot Camp. The camp brings educators, students, and workforce service providers together with business and community leaders to build awareness of Northeast Indiana industries and careers for the emerging workforce. The Logistics Boot Camp has 25 participants and multiple business partners. The camp builds the general understanding and knowledge of skills needed for success in the logistics industry. The participants were exposed to sophisticated techniques and processes and learned directly form industry leaders and hands-on experiences.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Three Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 4 Counties: Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Miami, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Warren, White
- Training Acceleration Grants
Seven grants were awarded totaling $579,208 under the state’s Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) program. The grants will result in the training of 514 incumbent workers in information technology, journeyman upgrades, career development and human resources certifications, associates degrees, and apprenticeships.
- WIRED - Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development initiative
Up to $1.57 million has been designated to expand the state’s Project Lead the Way program as a result of a grant by the Indiana WIRED initiative. The grant supports the expansion of two areas of Project Lead the Way: providing funding for 74 additional schools to train teachers and purchase software and equipment to be able to offer the curriculum and providing funding for a computer-integrated manufacturing course. Project Lead the Way is a pre-engineering/technology program designed to introduce students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.
- Teachers, nurses and truck drivers among hot regional jobs
Postsecondary teachers, registered nurses, and tractor trailer and heavy truck drivers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Four Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 5 Counties: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Shelby
- Training Acceleration Grants
Thirteen grants were awarded totaling $1,878,518 under the state’s Training Acceleration Grant program. The grants will result in the training of 580 incumbent workers in information technology, advanced manufacturing and human resources certifications, industrial apprenticeships, associate degrees, and journeyman upgrades.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from two firms in the region – Citizens Gas and Coke Utility, Manufacturing Division in Indianapolis and Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, Inc. in Martinsville are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Anderson University receives federal grant to establish Professional Development Academy
Anderson University was selected by the United States Department of Education’s Office of Language Acquisition to receive a four-year grant of nearly $800,000 to establish a Professional Development Academy (PDA) for Teachers of English as a New Language. The Professional Development Academy is the first center of its kind in Indiana. The goal of the center is to prepare teachers to teach English to persons who do not speak English as a primary language. The mission of the center will be to provide instruction that accelerates Limited English Proficient (LEP) students leading to school retention and post-secondary enrollment in universities.
- Nurses, teachers and software engineers among hot regional jobs
Registered nurses, postsecondary teachers and computer and systems software engineers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Five Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 6 Counties: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, Union, Wayne
- Training Acceleration Grants
One $73,120 grant was awarded to Tyson Foods in Portland and will help train 401 incumbent workers in earning a customized food service certificate.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from BorgWarner Diversified Transmission Products, Inc., TTS Division in Muncie are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- B.O.S.S Regional Business Plan Competition
Indiana University East and Eastern Indiana Regional Workforce Board held a regional business plan competition at the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center in Richmond on August 2, 2007.
This event was part of the Business Opportunities for Self Starters program, which is known as B.O.S.S. During the program, high school students from the east-central Indiana region competed in a regional contest to learn what it takes to develop a business idea and see it through to market. The program was made possible by the Eastern Indiana Regional Workforce Board through the Strategic Skills Initiative Grant provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
- Teachers and nurses among hot regional jobs
Postsecondary teachers, registered nurses, and elementary and kindergarten school teachers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Six Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 7 Counties: Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from International Paper in Terre Haute are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Teachers, nurses and machinists among top regional hot jobs
Postsecondary teachers, registered nurses, and mixing and blending machine setters, operators and tenders are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs” listing, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Seven Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 8 Counties: Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen
Training Acceleration Grants
One grant of $185,400 was awarded under the state’s Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) program. The grant will train 121 incumbent workers in essential management, management development, management enrichment, trainer and advanced trainer certificates.
- Strategic Skills Initiative
The region has begun operating a simulation lab that utilizes technology to address the limited availability of clinical training opportunities. This lab was developed under the leadership of Bloomington Hospital in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and Indiana University. During the first three months of operation (July-September 2007), 558 people have received training or participated in competency check-offs. Of this total, 458 have been nurses.
- Teachers, nurses, and software engineers among hot regional jobs
Postsecondary teachers, registered nurses, and computer software engineers, applications are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Eight Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 9 Counties: Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland
Training Acceleration Grants
One grant totaling $156,040 focused on training 160 incumbent workers in certificates of applied learning – PC advanced and manufacturing skills.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. in Brownstown are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce Grant
The Region 9 Workforce Board was awarded a $675,500 grant to expand the region’s manufacturing workforce and increase the flow of high school and college graduates into manufacturing careers. It will be used primarily to boost the training capacity in the region for manufacturing jobs by about 25 percent. Additionally, funds will be used to launch a career advancement account program for 100 dislocated workers, who will each receive $1500 for educational and training expenses.
- Strategic Skills Initiative – Jumpstart Grant
The Region 9 Workforce Board partnered with Ivy Tech Community College to begin training as part of the region’s Jump Start grant. The advanced manufacturing training addresses current and anticipated skill shortages due to projected employment growth in the region. During this quarter, 55 individuals enrolled in the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Production Technician Certification, 37 enrolled and 15 completed the Management and Supervisory Institute, 56 enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance program and 23 enrolled in various Manufacturing Certifications including CNC training.
- Workforce Literacy Graduation – Hill Rom
Sixty-seven Hill-Rom associates participating in a state-funded project aimed at raising the workplace skills level of Indiana’s workers received certificates of completion at the company’s headquarters in Batesville.
The workers were trained under a grant awarded last year to the Indiana Health Industry Forum on behalf of Hill-Rom and two other Indiana companies to raise the basic level of the employees’ workplace literacy skills.
- Regional Hot Jobs Listed
Registered nurses, multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics, and team assemblers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Nine Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 10 Counties: Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, Washington
Trade Adjustment Assistance
Former employees from two firms in the region - Seatply, Inc. in Jeffersonville and Child Craft Industries, in New Salisbury - are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. Child Craft workers are also eligible for the Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) program for workers over 50 years old. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Strategic Skills Initiative
Scott County Lifelong Learning Center began offering Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Production Technician Certification this quarter. Seventeen students enrolled in the first of four units. The Center will continue the program and eight students have pre-registered for the second unit. The Center has one certified MSSC trainer, four certified proctors, and is a certified MSSC training center.
- Regional Hot Jobs Listed
Registered nurses, elementary and kindergarten school teachers and tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on the statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Ten Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Region 11 Counties: Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick
Training Acceleration Grants
Two grants totaling $209,567 focused on training 154 incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing, career development, apprenticeships, journeyman upgrades and associates degrees.
Trade Adjustment AssistanceFormer employees at Personnel Management, Inc., a division of DHI Holdings, Inc., who worked at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. in Princeton are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) programs. Former employees at the firm are eligible for a variety of services that include occupational training, income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.
- Strategic Skills Initiative
The region’s nursing shortage continues to be addressed as institutions of higher education expand their programs.
A total of 90 nursing students have been admitted to Ivy Tech Community College – Evansville for the fall 2007 semester. The 60 ASN students and 30 PN students represent an additional 20 nursing students admitted compared to last year. Current projections call for 40 additional nursing students in the spring of 2008. Last year, there was no spring admission of nursing students into either program.
The University of Southern Indiana accepted 15 additional students for the fall 2007 semester. The 90 students enrolled in the fall represent an increase in enrollment by 30 nursing students.
- Regional Hot Jobs Listed
Registered nurses, postsecondary teachers and tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers are the top three “hot jobs” in the region, according to a new listing published recently by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The regional listing was modeled on a state statewide "Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, and based on projected employment growth, total job openings, and wage factors. Jobs that make the listing have high growth factors in Indiana's Occupational Projections 2004-2014 and high wages according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, both produced by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development.
To go to the regional listings, click here.
- Region Eleven Labor Force and Unemployment Statistics
Mitch Daniels, Governor
Teresa Voors, Commissioner
- How do I find out the status of my unemployment check?
- How do I file for unemployment?
- Where can I find unemployment insurance information for employers?
- Where can I report unemployment insurance benefit fraud?
- Do I need to post labor posters in the work place if I only have One (1) employee?
- What kind of resources are available for a job seeker?
- Where can I find more information about the Debit Card Program?
- Where can I find more information about the Major Opportunities program?
- Where can I find more information about SUTA Dumping?
