(BEDFORD) – The Lawrence County Workforce Coalition, an arm of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council (LCEGC), begins its fourth cohort of the Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills program. Participant openings are still available and begin Monday, January 18.
The three-week training course is designed for adult students to gain exposure to and develop entry-level skills for careers in the region. Classes are being conducted at the North Lawrence Career Center that include three program areas: welding, construction trades, and machining. Certified NLCC instructors David McCart, Matt Olson, and Brad Gilbert will teach their respective program.
In addition to learning concepts and overviews of skills to obtain and/or advance in one of these career areas, students will also be exploring employability competencies such as communication, workplace etiquette, and social awareness. This aspect of the program is taught by Linda Henderson with Families Forever.
The results from the first three cohorts exceeded expectations. Every participant received a “next step,” whether it involved completing a free High School Equivalency, application for the Indiana Laborers Training Institute apprenticeship program, or Next Level Jobs training (at no cost), a career, a possibility for starting a new business or a combination of these. “Our first 28 graduates have discovered new-found skills, passion for jobs, not previously explored and local employers and organizations have been outstanding at working with us to create best-case scenario next steps for these participants,” says Joe Timbrook, LCEGC director of career development. “Their dedication to follow through to improve their lives and those around them is heart-warming.”
This fourth class can have up to 12 participants, will follow the same curriculum and will run through February 5.
At the end of the course, students will have earned a certificate of completion. This certificate can be shown to prospective employers or they can also add this accomplishment to their resume, which they will create as part of their class curriculum. Upon training completion each student will receive a $250 stipend.
Currently, the ideal student is a Lawrence County resident not yet earning a living wage. If you are interested in participating in the program, or an employer interested in getting involved, contact Connor Williams at 812-275-4493 or connor@lawrencecountygrowth.com.
About the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council:
The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council is a non-profit, local economic development organization (LEDO) existing to support growth of Lawrence County Businesses including startup support, workforce solutions, and technical assistance which promotes investment that improves the quality of life for our citizens. Learn more at www.lawrencecountygrowth.com.
