INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun is expanding his Power Up Indiana initiative to incentivize more companies across the state to grow wages and upskill their existing workforce, renaming the revamped program the Power Up Employer Training Grant.
Launched last year, the initiative offered participating businesses that raise their workers’ wages a chance to earn reimbursements of $5,000 per employee — up to $50,000 annually.
Now, businesses of any size must raise their employees’ pay by 10%, as opposed to 25%, with a starting wage of at least $20 per hour, to receive the incentives through the Power Up Employer Training Grant (ETG). The purposeful change will allow more Indiana companies to take part in Power Up ETG, growing wages for even more hard-working Hoosiers and supporting their families and communities.
“My Power Up program has delivered proven results, with Hoosier workers across the state earning more while growing their skills, and we want more businesses to take part,” Gov. Braun said. “By broadening this opportunity, Indiana will support more companies that grow wages and train and advance the talent that is critical to powering their operations and the state’s economy.”
To date, participating Power Up Indiana businesses have seen their employees’ average hourly wage climb to $34.30, a 28.6% increase. In addition, many of the businesses in Power Up Indiana represent the state’s most in-demand industries, including healthcare and manufacturing.
“We heard the excitement from employers about Power Up, and we are giving more Hoosier companies the chance to participate in this incredibly worthwhile program,” Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said. “By incentivizing wage growth and talent development, Indiana is taking an entrepreneurial approach to growing wages for Hoosier workers and their families, developing the workforce of tomorrow and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.”
The Power Up ETG delivers wage gains and builds up employees through pertinent, technical training that results in industry-recognized certification, cross-training or reskilling, leadership development and registered apprenticeships.
To learn more about the Power Up Employer Training Grant, click here.
