News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Dave Wolkins encourages Hoosiers whose jobs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of tuition-free training grants offered through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program. 

Established in 2017 through a law supported by Wolkins, this program provides Workforce Ready Grants to help Indiana residents who have a high school diploma or equivalent but less than a college degree receive training in high-demand job fields.

With more than 500,000 Hoosiers filing for unemployment since March, Wolkins said these grants could help those who are laid off or furloughed to build on their skills and get a better paying job.

“Continuing your education will help make you stand out in a competitive job market,” Wolkins said in a news release. “Employers will see your ability to take on challenges and determination to finish tasks. Taking advantage of a workforce ready grant could help jumpstart your next career in a high-paying industry.”

Hoosiers can visit NextLevelJobs.org to apply for training grants, which cover the cost of tuition and fees for working adults to earn a high-value certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Jobseekers can connect to local training and resources to find jobs in high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics. 

The IvyTech campuses in Wabash and Warsaw offer students the opportunity to earn a certificate or technical certificate as a building construction management specialist, carpentry specialist, electrical specialist, and more. For information, visit IvyTech.edu/Warsaw or IvyTech.edu/Wabash.  

According to Wolkins, businesses in high-demand industries can apply for Employer Training Grants, which provide $5,000 for each employee who is trained, hired, and retained for six months. 

Students interested in attending Ivy Tech have until June 8 to enroll in summer courses. Wolkins said the summer session will run through Aug 1. Registration for the first round of summer courses at Vincennes University is now closed, but the second round of enrollment is open until July 2. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all courses will be offered online. 

Hoosiers can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for a Workforce Ready Grant or Employer Training Grant at NextLevelJobs.org.Anyone who needs help with the application process can call (317) 715-9007 to speak one-on-one with a financial aid expert for free through INvestEd.