Indiana Commerce Secretary David Adams speaks at a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle.

By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANAPOLIS — The state of Indiana wants Hoosier employers to train and promote current employees — and it’s willing to pay.

Leaders unveiled Power Up Indiana, an upskilling reimbursement initiative, at a Tuesday, Sept. 16 news conference.

“Growth doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It’s already here, inside the businesses here in Indiana,” Commerce Secretary David Adams said. “Your next supervisor, your next innovator, that next leader — they’re probably already working in your business. What they need is a chance to be developed, trained and advanced.”

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun talks to reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle.

“That’s why we built Power Up Indiana,” he continued. “It’s not just another incentive program, but a long-term growth strategy for all Hoosiers.”

Businesses can earn reimbursement of $5,000 per employee trained — and up to $50,000 annually — if they meet training and pay requirements. Adams told reporters that $10 million was available for training incentives.

Eligible upskilling includes technical training resulting in industry-recognized credentials, cross-training or reskilling, leadership development, or registered apprenticeships, according to the program manual. Worker pay must rise by at least 25% once training is completed, and exceed the region’s median wages.

“Because we’re placing the emphasis on higher wages, this program will pay dividends throughout our economy,” Gov. Mike Braun said.

Firms of all types and sizes can join as long as they’re located in Indiana, are registered with the secretary of state’s office and have a current unemployment tax account. They can seek reimbursement for employees who’ve undergone training since the beginning of this year.

Businesses can submit an online interest form, then develop and submit a training plan with job descriptions and salary ranges.

Once the plan is approved, prospective participants sign grant and training agreements. They’ll track certain information and submit invoices.

The state will oversee and monitor the program, plus disburse funds to local workforce development boards, according to the manual. Those regional bodies will manage and implement the program, including deciding whether employees meet the requirements and qualify for reimbursement.

Brent Harvey, a member of Keystone Cooperative’s two-year rotation program, talks about his experience there during a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Indiana has other upskilling incentive efforts, like the Employer Training Grant program. That program is run out of the Commerce Office vertical, via the Department of Workforce Development, just like Power Up Indiana.

The previous program was limited to certain industries and required lower wages and raises. It’s unclear if or when it will be phased out.

“Everything we’ve tried in the past didn’t quite get there,” Braun told reporters. “This is a new approach.”

Leaders highlighted a two-year rotation program at Keystone Cooperative, an Indianapolis-based agribusiness. It’s called Securing Experience and Employee Development, or SEED.

Twenty-year-old Brent Harvey was part of the company’s inaugural SEED class in 2024.

“I’ve had the opportunity to admit when I made a mistake, take credit when I’ve done something well, and work collaboratively with a team,” he said.

Though he began focused on agronomy, Harvey has since earned a commercial driver’s license and discovered unexpected interests in energy and sales. Soon, he’ll complete SEED and start an apprenticeship with the company.

He described having the space, “with my team, my mentors and leaders, to find a place for a career at Keystone close to home, and I’m excited to see what the next few months have in store.”