Rep. Frye: Hoosier Jobseekers Should Consider Free Job Training, Skilling-Up Amid COVID-19

"The state's Next Level Jobs program provides free training options to help Hoosiers make themselves more marketable when looking for work and increase their earning potential."

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) encourages Hoosiers whose jobs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of tuition-free training grants offered through Indiana's Next Level Jobs program.

Established in 2017 by a law Frye supported, the program provides Workforce Ready Grants to help Indiana residents who have a high school diploma or equivalent but less than a college degree receive training in high-demand job fields. With more than 500,000 Hoosiers filing for unemployment since March, Frye said these grants could help those who are laid off or furloughed to build on their skills and get a better paying job.

"Stretches of economic hardship are good times to invest in yourself," Frye said. "The state's Next Level Jobs program provides free training options to help Hoosiers make themselves more marketable when looking for work and increase their earning potential."

Hoosiers can visit NextLevelJobs.org to apply for training grants, which cover the cost of tuition and fees for working adults to earn a high-value certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Jobseekers can connect to local training and resources to find jobs in high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.

The IvyTech campuses in Lawrenceburg and Madison offer students the opportunity to earn a certificate in numerous careers. For information, visit IvyTech.edu/Lawrenceburg or IvyTech.edu/Madison.  

Students interested in attending Ivy Tech have until June 8 to enroll in summer courses. Frye said the summer session will run through Aug. 1. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all courses will be offered online.

According to Frye, businesses in high-demand industries can apply for Employer Training Grants, which provide $5,000 for each employee who is trained, hired and retained for six months.

Hoosiers can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for a Workforce Ready Grant or Employer Training Grant at NextLevelJobs.org. Anyone who needs help with the application process can call 317-715-9007 to speak one-on-one with a financial aid expert for free through INvestEd.