Calling all businesses: DWD announces work-based learning program for area companies

Officials will be in Madison, Columbus Nov. 8 to address workforce development needs

Business leaders in southeastern Indiana are invited to learn about the state’s new Office of Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship and how it can help address workforce development needs. The two opportunities on Nov. 8 are: 9:30 a.m. at the Ivy Tech Business Conference Center, 590 Ivy Tech Drive, in Madison; and 2:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech, Poling Hall, 200/217, 4475 Central Ave., in Columbus.

The Office of Work-based Learning & Apprenticeship is part of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and was created in March by an executive order signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Business owners in DWD’s Region 9—Bartholomew, Decatur, Dearborn, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties—are invited. There is no cost to attend.

Darrel Zeck, the office’s executive director, and Carrie Lively, its senior director, will provide an overview and also will be available to answer questions. The office is tasked with improving and creating state initiatives to increase “earn and learn” and other work-based learning opportunities throughout the state. Programs like Indiana’s are gaining in prominence nationally as more employers struggle to fill jobs when unemployment is at or near historic lows. Businesses can register at: https://calendar.in.gov/site/dwd/event/region-9-business/.