Indiana's workforce development leads national trend

Expansion Management magazine ranks Indiana economic development programs ninth in the nation. The study evaluated three different grants, according to financial value, ease of use and applicability.\n"This recognition is even more meaningful when you look at who it came from -- the professionals who help make decisions on business expansion and relocation," Gov. Joe Kernan said in a press release.\nThese grants -- Indiana's Skills Enhancement Fund, Advance Indiana and the Technology Certification for Hoosiers -- offered by the Indiana Department of Commerce and the Department of Workforce Development, provide financial assistance to businesses that focus on training and re-training workers. These grants help cover tuition, instructor fees, and books. \n"Workforce Development is an important economic development tool, because a highly skilled workforce attracts companies that offer high-wage, high-demand jobs," said DWD Deputy Press Secretary Angie Nussmeyer. "By providing these training grant incentives, Hoosier businesses are able to remain competitive in today's global marketplace."\nThe Incumbent Workers Training Fund, an umbrella program available through the DWD, will provide financial assistance to the Iron Workers Local in Anderson. IU Division of Labor Studies applied on behalf of the organization and will train workers in GPS and concrete construction training, said Director of Advance Indiana, Brett Wineinger. The IWTF will also provide $1 million to Warrick County's Alcoa, Vanderburgh County's Atlas Van Lines, Inc. and Whirlpool Corp., Posey County's General Electric Plastics, Dubois County's Jasper Engine and Transmissions and Perry County's ThyssenKrupp Waupaca.\nThe Advance Indiana Grant, also available through the DWD, will help expand the skills of existing workers in manufacturing, life science, high tech distribution and information technology. The TECH fund provides existing companies financial assistance to train workers in the latest information and technology skills.\nThe Skills Enhancement Fund, provided by the Indiana Department of Commerce, is designed to help manufacturing companies, distributing centers, and regional headquarters that involve transactions with out of state entities. Companies may be reimbursed up to $200,000 for retraining workers.\nFor more information on these or other workforce development programs, please visit www.in.gov/doc/skills2016\n-- Contact staff writer Jill Brooks at jimbrook@indiana.edu .