Grant would give workers free classes
By JOHN REED
Workers employed at Starke County manufacturers and businesses would be able to earn college credits and a certificate, free, beginning in the fall, under a program now being developed.
However, getting the grant, which could be for as much as $200,000, depends on local employers receiving applications from interested workers no later than June 14.
The purpose of the Regional Skill Alliance grant is to provide training assistance to firms who coordinate their training activities for mutual benefit. Businesses join together to provide training and skills for employees.
The benefit to employees is that they earn both a certificate and college credits, which can be transferred to another college so that they can go on to earn a two-year or four-year degree. Employees also have no upfront expenses costs.
Steve McAleer of the Center of Workforce Innovations said the program avoids the problem workers often have with company tuition-reimbursement programs, since the employee may not have the up-front money to cover expenses and tuition.
Another advantage to workers is that they don�t have to travel far for classes. Training sessions would be held locally. The SCILL Center in Knox would host sessions, and MPI has offered its training rooms.
The key to getting the grant and making the program work is that employees must announce their intent to participate no later than June 14 by signing up with their employer.
Here�s how the program works:
� Employers, both business and industry, must be in Starke County and have at least five employees. Only private businesses, not government and non-profit entities, are eligible.
� Employees must be currently employed at a Starke County industry or business. A high school diploma or GED would be required.
� The program would completely pay for tuition for certificate classes at an accredited institution. Organizers are currently negotiating with several colleges.
� Classes would be for 30 hours. Completing classes would result in the person becoming certified. college credits also would be granted.
� Offered would be a Certificate in Business Administration, a Die Setter Apprenticeship, or APICS Certification, a system of inventory management widely used in industry. The highly-regarded certificates are often a key to a potential employee being accepted for a job.
� Employers would be expected to fund costs for books and lab fees. The concept is that employees desiring more job training would have no up front expenses at all.
Employees who are interested should check with company management, or contact John Gough at the SCILL Center, 772-8001. Employers wanting to participate, or obtain application forms, should also contact Gough.
The program is being developed by the Center of Workforce Innovations in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Actively involved in planned the project are the Starke County Development Foundation and the SCILL Center. Three Starke County manufacturers also have involved in the planning: Norton Packaging Inc,. from Hamlet, Thermo Products, North Judson, and Rockwell Window Co., Knox.
The grant process is being handled by Diana Sandlin, a business and information development specialist with Indiana Workforce Development.
Terry Kimmel, Director of the Starke County Development foundation, said the project offers a significant opportunity for local workers to improve their skills and obtain better positions, as well as offered local firms the advantage of utilizing a more highly-trained workforce.
Kimmel also said the training program would be attractive to industries looking to locate in Starke County.
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