(BEDFORD) – The Lawrence County Workforce Coalition, an arm of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council (LCEGC), began its second cohort of the Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills program earlier this week.
NLCC instructor David McCart.
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 with the three program areas: welding, construction trades, and machining being taught by certified NLCC instructors David McCart, Matt Olson, and Brad Gilbert, respectively.
Skills course. The end result will be a shed for sale.
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 cohort exceeded expectations with every participant receiving a “next step,” whether it involved completing their High School Equivalency (at no cost), application for the Indiana Laborers Training Institute apprenticeship program, Next Level Jobs training (at no cost), a career, or a combination of these.
“Our 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. “We are filling gaps that otherwise wouldn’t be filled and giving opportunities to these individuals.”
This second class has eleven participants following the same curriculum and will run through September 4. At the end of the course, students will have earned a certificate of completion to show prospective employers and add to their resume, which they will have the opportunity to craft as part of course curriculum. 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, please
contact Heather Nash at 812-275-4493 or email heather@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.
