Next Level Jobs Expansion Adds More Job Seekers, Employers

The successful Next Level Jobs program has been temporarily expanded through the end of the year to meet the needs of more Indiana job seekers and employers.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - As the state gets back on track and businesses work to fully reopen their doors to the public, many Hoosiers may be using this time to reevaluate their career path.

Indiana's continued commitment to growing and skilling up our workforce has put us in a strong position to offer more Hoosiers the opportunity to obtain a certificate in a high-demand, high-wage industry. The successful Next Level Jobs program has been temporarily expanded through the end of the year to meet the needs of more Indiana job seekers and employers.

An additional $40 million from the federal CARES Act is being used to expand the program. About half of that money will help at least 10,000 additional Hoosiers obtain a Workforce Ready Grant. Citizens with two- and four-year degrees are now eligible for full tuition reimbursement through Dec. 30 to train and receive certification in high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and information technology and business services by enrolling at NextLevelJobs.org.

Vincennes University is using the Next Level Jobs expansion to add nearly 50 certifications to its list of eligible programs. The school has locations throughout Indiana to make training convenient. Visit vinu.edu to learn more. According to VU, Hoosiers who completed a certification have seen an average wage increase of $6,400 annually.

Ivy Tech Community College also participates in Next Level Jobs and has campuses across the state offering high-value certifications for in-demand careers. Many of these programs are available online too. Visit IvyTech.edu for more information.

Job creators can utilize the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's Employer Training Grant to prepare new employees, and upskill or reskill workers. The Next Level Jobs expansion increases funding for employers from a maximum of $50,000 to $100,000. Of the additional funding, $5 million will be dedicated to supporting minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.

Already, more than 13,300 Hoosiers have earned certificates using the Workforce Ready Grant and over 530 employers have used the Employer Training Grant to prepare nearly 9,000 workers for today's in-demand jobs. Whether you're looking to add skills to your toolbox or seeking a new career, Next Level Jobs can help. Learn more and enroll at NextLevelJobs.org.