Next Level Jobs training program expanded, says State Rep. Terri Austin

More Hoosiers will now be able to advance their careers as a result of expansion of the state’s Next Level Jobs program. The program, implemented in 2017, has already provided nearly 2,300 Hoosiers with training in six high-demand industry sectors. Fields include advanced manufacturing, building and construction, IT and business services, health and life sciences, transportation and logistics, and agriculture.

The state legislature expanded the program this year by opening the employer training grants to include not only new employees but also existing employees who receive training that leads to increased work responsibilities and higher wages. We also doubled the funds available per employee trained from $2,500 to $5,000 and increased the total amount available per employer from $25,000 to $50,000. This funding is available to participating employers through reimbursement for employees who are trained and retained for at least six months.

The Next Level Jobs initiative also includes funding to cover the full cost of tuition for individual Hoosiers who want to earn a credential or associates degree and secure a better job. Both employers and everyday Hoosiers can apply for these funds in a five-minute application at NextLevelJobs.org.