Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. was recently awarded a grant of $134,228 courtesy of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to develop information technology (IT) work-based learning opportunities.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions is one of nine employers across an 11-county region of south central and southwest Indiana that make up Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc.
ROI members will benefit from the Department of Workforce Development’s ‘Skill UP Indiana!’ grant by creating internship opportunities in the field of information technology, an area identified by regional employers for projected growth.
This would provide employers with a direct connection to an increasing pipeline of qualified information technology talent.
In a release Jasper People Services Representative Kate Schwenk says they are excited for the partnership with ROI and look forward to the new opportunities created from the Department of Workforce Development grant.
Schwenk says they know the importance of work-based learning and try to help local schools in any way that they can.
The Regional Opportunity Initiatives and the Region 8 Works Council have partnered with Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington and Vincennes University to develop a one-year certification program.
Students would attend classes three days a week, and work two days a week with an industry partner.
The Regional Opportunity Initiatives will also hire a Work-Based Learning Specialist to work directly with employers to design and implement the work-based learning experience for students and provide skills training to prepare interns for future employment.
