In the past, graduating from high school and taking part in the workforce was the norm for Indiana’s youth. However, in today’s job market, postsecondary training is no longer a luxury – it’s needed to obtain adequate employment.
The General Assembly recognized this issue and passed a law in 2017, creating the Workforce Ready Grant (WRG) program.
State Senator Randy Head said, “The WRG program provides Indiana residents with a high school diploma, or the equivalent, the opportunity to earn tuition-free, high-value certificates.”
The certificate programs, which are available through Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University and other approved providers, align with Indiana’s five highest-demand fields and present participants with a number of career paths.
There are five fields in which students can receive certificates, along with possible careers they could choose once trained.
Advanced Manufacturing: Machinist, quality manager, robotics technician or welder;
Building and Construction: Carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment operator or HVAC mechanic;
Health and Life Sciences: Dental assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician or phlebotomist;
IT and Business Services: Accounting and auditing clerk, bookkeeper, computer systems analyst, information security specialist or IT specialist; and
Transportation and Logistics: Automotive service technician, diesel mechanic, logistics manager or supply chain manager.
Senator Head said, “I encourage all Indiana residents with the equivalent of a high school diploma to take advantage of these free programs, as the training provided could put them on a career path to success.”
To qualify, in addition to having the equivalent of a high school diploma, participants must be 18 or older and an Indiana resident as well as enroll in a qualifying program through an eligible training provider.
To apply, Indiana residents can visit NextLevelJobs.org, where they can connect with an eligible training provider by clicking the “Next Level Job Seekers” button, then “Connect Now.”
