Free Classes For 10,000 Hoosiers: Just The Start Of Ivy Tech’s Commitment To Indiana’s Recovery Efforts

Friday, May 29, 2020 at 8:13 AM

By Chris Lowery, Senior Vice President for Workforce and Careers, Ivy Tech, news release

Opportunity and hope are what we’re left with at the other end of crisis, and Ivy Tech is eager to provide both to our state’s residents.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action. And in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Ivy Tech Community College is doubling-down on its commitment to serve as Indiana’s engine of workforce development.

The College recently announced that it will provide free classes to 10,000 Hoosiers in a range of relevant high-demand areas, including advanced manufacturing, business, and cybersecurity. More than 650,000 Hoosiers are experiencing unemployment, reduced hours, and/or furloughs due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and these classes are designed to help those affected improve their employment prospects and gain new skills. Ultimately, we are confident this effort will make Indiana’s workforce stronger and better equipped to remain globally competitive.

Ivy Tech has selected these classes in close collaboration with employers and other partners to ensure they are aligned with existing and future job opportunities. Support from companies like Amatrol and Autodesk Inc. underscores the degree to which Indiana’s employers have an immediate and ongoing need for skilled workers.

Classes and trainings that are currently being offered as part of the initiative include:

Advanced Manufacturing: Smart Automation Certification Alliance Industry 4.0 Silver Level Multi-Skill Maintenance and Operations Technician Certifications (Associate I and II, Electrical Systems, Electric Motor Control Systems, Motor Control Troubleshooting, Pneumatic Systems)
Tools of the Industry with Autodesk: Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining, Fusion 360 Introduction to CAD and CAM, Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers, 3-Axis Machining with Fusion 360, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing, Modeling and Design for Mechanical Engineers. Autodesk Inc. is the software provider for people who make things
Information Technology: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Essentials, AWS Educate Cloud Practitioner
Business and Cross-Sector: LinkedIn Learning

Later this summer, we will offer more training to meet evolving workforce needs.

In an effort to encourage those who seek to improve their skills, the College is permitting participants to take more than one free class. The classes are offered online, and there are no regular course meeting times allowing participants to work at their own pace. There is no need to fill out an application, no prerequisites, and--again--no fee. All that is required is a willingness to learn.

While Ivy Tech is focused on making this initiative a success, it’s just the start of our effort to work in close collaboration with state and local government and community-based and faith-based organizations throughout Indiana to ensure Indiana emerges from this crisis stronger than before. As it has for more than 55 years, Ivy Tech is leaning in on its commitment to lead the way in developing our workforce. That’s our mission, and that’s what we deliver, in good times and challenging times like these. Opportunity and hope are what we’re left with at the other end of crisis, and Ivy Tech is eager to provide both to our state’s residents.

To learn more, visit IvyTech.edu/10kclasses.