Darrel Zeck
Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, June 12, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development recently established the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship, created earlier this year by Executive Order from Gov. Eric Holcomb.
DWD Commissioner Fred Payne announced Darrel Zeck as the first Executive Director of the Office. Zeck began on June 11, and will lead Indiana's apprenticeship and work-based learning initiatives.
Darrel Zeck
Zeck comes to DWD from Stark Industries, an aerospace manufacturing company in Terre Haute where he was a Vice President. Prior to Stark, Zeck was employed by the Terre Haute International Airport and the City of Terre Haute in various operations, public affairs and economic development capacities. He was appointed by Gov. Mike Pence and reappointed by Gov. Holcomb as a State Trustee for Ivy Tech Community College, serving as Secretary and Chairman of its Workforce Alignment Committee. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Indiana Air National Guard, serving most recently with the 181st Intelligence Wing.
"We are pleased to have a leader such as Darrel to move our initiatives to increase 'earn and learn' and other work-based learning opportunities throughout Indiana forward," said Payne. "Meeting workforce needs of Indiana employers is a top priority for the state, and this office will help people and employers move to the Next Level."
The advantages of apprenticeship and earn and learn programs in the marketplace are clear. Individuals will learn recognized and valuable skills that will make them job/career ready and more marketable. Employers will help in developing skilled workers in a manner that impacts their business needs. This all plays a part in lifelong learning for individuals.
As part of his role with Stark Industries, Zeck spearheaded a successful work-based learning program achieving successful results and prepared many quality employees for meaningful careers and advancement opportunities. The program collaborated with several K-12 school districts, three colleges and universities and the local WorkOne office to create flexible, work-based learning opportunities for high school students, college students and adults alike.
"I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish in the 'earn and learn' space at Stark, and the lives we changed," said Zeck, who plans to use Stark's program as one model to implement across the state. "I am looking forward to helping other employers and individuals throughout the state."
The Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship will have many functions. It will work with the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance and expand federally-approved apprenticeships. It will work closely with Indiana businesses and educational institutions to develop other relevant work-based learning ("earn and learn") programs, and will connect Hoosiers with those opportunities.
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