The Machining Class, from left, Scott, Alisha, Caylin, Instructor Joe and Aaron.

KOSCIUSKO — The first Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs certified machinist training class is well underway at Ivy Tech Warsaw. Director of Manufacturing at the Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, Tom Till commented, “This is a really strong class. They are serious and committed to learning a skilled trade and a career.”

George Robertson, President of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, thanked OCRA for the “vision to assist rural areas and small cities in meeting our critical need for talent development.” He also noted that OCRA had funded 5 counties in Northeast Indiana:  Kosciusko, Wabash, Whitley, Huntington and Noble. “I want to thank the great regional cooperation of my fellow local development corporations in working together.” He noted that of the first five students: two are from Kosciusko, one from Wabash, one from Whitley and one from Huntington. “We are, as a region, trying to meet our shortage of certified machinists.”

The next class begins this month and it looks like there will be 7 students in the morning and 7 students in the evening session. The following class starts in December and KEDCo is currently accepting applications for this full scholarship training. Basic requirements are that applicants are 18 years of age, underemployed and a resident of one of the 5 counties.

The current class includes individuals working a variety of jobs: several part-time fast food jobs, a temp employee who wants better wages and the benefits of a permanent position and individuals who are at the most they can earn in semi-skilled positions and who want an opportunity to move up in a skilled career field with a potential for continued growth.