National Association of Workforce Development Professionals recognizes JobWork’s Michelle Ginder

We're thrilled to announce that our very own Michelle Grinder, a dedicated member of our team at Job Works, has been recognized by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) as a distinguished board member! Michelle's unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions to our organization and the broader workforce development community truly shine through in this well-deserved recognition.

Join us in celebrating Michelle's achievement and the incredible impact she continues to make in empowering individuals and communities through her work!

“Meet Michelle Ginder, representing the state of Indiana on the NAWDP Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in multiple areas of workforce, Ginder brings extensive knowledge to the Board. She also serves NAWDP and its Board by participating as a member of our Programming Committee. Please help us express our gratitude to Michelle Ginder for her work as a member of the NAWDP Board of Directors!

NAWDP is governed by a 35-person volunteer Board of Directors that sets the goals and objectives for the association and develops new initiatives for the organization. To learn more about NAWDP and its mission to enrich the workforce development community by connecting and advancing workforce professionals, visit www.nawdp.org.” (LinkedIn)

IAACE Conference | September 28

A group of our amazing staff members presented at the IAACE conference on Thursday, Sept 28!

Members of our staff, Jackie Bailey, Nicole DeNike, Brenda Dolan, Michelle Ginder, Morgan Goddard, and Sheri Ruge attended the IAACE conference and presented in the Career Pathways: Lead the Way in Adult Education session!

From left to right: Jackie Bailey, Nicole DeNike, Brenda Dolan, Michelle Ginder, Morgan Goddard, Sheri Ruge

Region 11 Southwest Indiana Workforce Board Annual Meeting

Management and regional staff attended the Region 11 Southwest Indiana Workforce Board Annual Meeting on September 22, 2023. Many of our JobWorks team were recognized for their work and received awards.

(Left to Right)
Row 1:
- Regional Program Manager, Nancy Schroering and Employment Specialist, Audrey Buckman.
- JAG Manager, Jillian Lindauer accepts the Reg. 11 6 of 6 Award.
- Knox County Employment Specialist, Belinda Henby and Adult Client of the Year, LeAndrea Randall and her family.

Row 2:
- ECHO Housing staff (Gresham House)
- Region 11 JAG staff, Jamie Ruxer, Diana Igel, Sherri Montgomery, and Jillian Lindauer, with their 6 of 6 awards.
- Front row, left to right – Jillian Lindauer; Diana Igel; Jamie Ruxer; Sherri Montgomery; Cecilia Carmon; Audrey Buckman; Belinda Henby
Back row – Nancy Schroering; Gary Stath; Vic Oberhausen; Amanda Thewes; Cathy Cross; Kyela Jones; Donna Harpe; Tom Kavanagh; Jody Robinson; Becky May
- JAG Coordinator, Sherri Montgomery accepts the 6 of 6 Award for Princeton Community High School

Row 3:
- Business Development Partner of the Year, Warrick County Economic Development
- Employer, Cleveland Cliffs and Dislocated Worker Client of the Year, Ian LeClere
- Business of the Year, International Revolving Door
- Business Development Partner of the Year, Warrick County Economic Development

Retirement celebration for a few

Mike Longcor, Adult/Dislocated Worker Team Leader at WorkOne Lafayette, being recognized for his 5 years of service to JobWorks by Terri Simons, Regional Manager.

David Kurth with former WorkOne Monticello staff celebrating his retirement at a community retirement open house at WorkOne Monticello.

Region 4 WorkOne staff held a cook out and carry in luncheon at WorkOne Lafayette to celebrate Mike and David’s retirement.

David Kurth and Mike Longcor being recognized by JobWorks on their recent retirements. Mike retired with 41 years of service in workforce development and David retired with 37 years of service in workforce development.

Mike Longcor, Treva Nichols (Region 4 Regional Program Manager), David Kurth, and Nikki Worl (WorkOne Kokomo Center Manager) celebrating the retirements with gifts from the Kokomo office.

Tony Murphy, JobWorks Quality and Data, congratulating David Kurth on his recent retirement.

David Kurth, Adult/Dislocated Worker/OSY Employment and Training Advisor at WorkOne Monticello being recognized for his many years of service to the White County community.

JAG Annual Training produces recognition for many

Region 11 JAG staff participated in the State JAG Annual Training. The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program is a state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences achieve success through graduation.

JAG is a resiliency-building workforce program that helps students learn in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to post-secondary education and career advancement opportunities. Currently there are 130 JAG programs available throughout Indiana.

JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation.

Indiana’s program consistently graduates approximately 95% of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school. The JAG program is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The following staff were recognized:

6 of 6 for Individual Schools

• Rhonda Drake - Benjamin Bosse HS

• Richard Coleman - Princeton Community HS

• Jamie Ruxer - Jasper HS

• Diana Igel - Pike Central HS

6 of 6 for Region 11

• Outstanding Employer Engagement (Guest Speakers and Field Trips)

• Richard Coleman - Princeton Community HS
  

Manager of the Year for the State

• Jody Robinson

JAG participant earns ‘distinguished’ honor

Angel Johnson (Senior) won Distinguished Graduate for making it into the overall top 20 students at East Chicago Central High school. She has worked extremely hard in maintaining the grades that were required to meet this successful achievement. Every student that makes it into the top twenty are asked to nominate a teacher that will qualify to win the distinguished educator award. Angel has chosen Victoria Acevedo to be honored in winning this award. Angel has been apart of JAG for the full two years and has chosen to not only recognize Victoria, the JAG Specialist, but the JAG program overall. When she gave her speech she not only explained what the JAG program is but how JAG has motivated her towards life after high school. Victoria said, “It’s been nothing but a pleasurable experience having angel in our program!!”

Victoria Acevedo (pictured left) stands with Distinguished Graduate Angel Johnson at a recent dinner celebrating the top 20 students at East Chicago Central High School.

Angel Johnson holds her Distinguished Graduate medal for finishing in the top 20 students at East Chicago Central High School.

Being recognized for her work with Angel and JAG, Victoria Acevedo was recognized as a Distinguished Educator.

JETS honored with Mira Award for Education Impact

Vic Oberhausen, chief human resource officer for JobWorks, Inc., accepts the Mira Award on behalf of JobWorks Education and Training Systems who was named Best of Tech Winner 2023 in the category of Education Impact.

FORT WAYNE – JobWorks Education and Training Systems (JETS) was named “Best of Tech” at TechPoint’s Mira Award ceremony in April. The annual event highlights the best in Indiana tech across several areas. JETS won a Mira award in the Education Impact category, along with 17 other award winners in their respective categories.

“The Mira Awards have always represented the best in Indiana tech, and this year we’re diving deep into talent development and digital innovation because both are economic growth imperatives,” said Ting Gootee, president and CEO of TechPoint. “Fortunately for us, the Indiana tech community is one that responds collaboratively to challenges, and we celebrate that tonight with examples of talent, innovation and entrepreneurship endeavors that will have ripple effects for generations to come.”

Tech positions in Indiana are growing in demand while the supply to fill these positions continues to fall short. This need spurred TechPoint’s Mission41K initiative in 2022, a collaborative effort to add 41,000 Hoosiers to the tech workforce by 2025.

JETS plays an important role in this mission. With nearly 40 years of traction behind it, the organization is helping Hoosiers prepare for and find employment in tech roles. JETS is the training division of JobWorks, Inc., a national workforce development organization based in Fort Wayne – JobWorks provides innovative workforce, education, and consulting solutions for people, businesses and communities. Through online classes, innovative, virtual learning materials and a supportive, motivating approach, the vision to open doors to greater employment opportunities has been applauded.

“Our virtual boot camps have produced life-changing impact for students by connecting them to in-demand tech credentials and jobs across Indiana and beyond,” said John Casella national director for JETS. “This has particularly helped those who are not often given the opportunity to work and thrive in the IT industry.”

Despite entering the organization’s program with no prior tech training, 85 percent of its employed graduates hold tech positions, earning more than $19 an hour on average, an increase of about 25 percent over their pre-program wage on average. Most students are traditionally underrepresented in technology, including those who are Black and Brown, women, and veterans.

According to TechPoint’s press release, the Mira judges were “impressed by both the mission and JETS’ 80 percent graduation rate. Perhaps even more telling, is the fact that employers who hire JETS alumni for the first time frequently contact the team asking if there are other available graduates for them to hire.”

“We are honored to not only receive this award, but to know the work we do impacts the lives of those we serve,” said Tom Kavanagh, chief operating officer for JobWorks, Inc. “The programs offered through JETS means real possibilities for Hoosiers looking to grow their careers and establish new ones. It’s rewarding work.”

TechPoint is the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, visit www.techpoint.org.

For more information about JobWorks Education and Training Systems, visit www.trainwithjobworks.com

Ginder nominated to NAWDP board

JobWorks Inc., is proud to announce that Program Manager Michelle Ginder has been nominated to the NAWDP board. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) recently made the announcement and the newly elected NAWDP Board of Directors will serve for a three-year term starting on July 1, 2023. 

According to a press release issued by the NAWDP, Melissa Robbins, Chief Executive Officer for NAWDP was quoted as saying, “Our Board of Directors is an integral part of setting the goals and objectives for NAWDP. We are grateful for their dedication to advancing the workforce profession through developing new initiatives to ensure NAWDP is supporting members with what they need to help advance the nation’s workforce.”

NAWDP’s Board of Directors represents an extensive community of more than 4,200 workforce development professionals from across the nation. For more information about NAWDP’s programs, Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification, and membership, visit www.nawdp.org.

About NAWDP

NAWDP provides the education, resources, and certification credibility to individuals seeking to thrive in the workforce development industry as thought leaders and innovators. As the leading advocate for workforce development professionals, NAWDP builds relationships and connections with other industry-leading organizations to challenge and collaborate for the advancement of the industry.

JobWorks featured at DC conference

Recently, JobWorks leaders Tom Kavanagh and John Casella were seen in Washington DC at the NAWB Conference. They participated in three sessions that included:

Becoming an Informed and Impactful Board Member

Agreeing to join a local workforce development board is relatively simple. Becoming an informed and impactful board member takes some work, beginning with understanding what your role is and what’s the role of the board. Join this discussion, facilitated by long-time NAWB collaborative partner, and hear from three (3) very experienced local leaders now on NAWB’s national board. Topics up for discussion include, organizational dynamics, the board's role and actions that lead to an effective and relevant workforce board for your region

New Director Focus Group

New workforce development board directors are invited to join Tom Kavanagh for open office hours. This session is open to any new director looking to share ideas and get valuable insights.

Grow careers by integrating occupational skills & incumbent worker training

Although customers often launch careers in new industries through Occupational Skills Training programs, true upward mobility and long-term advancement require additional learning and development opportunities. Using a recent partnership with Philadelphia Works Inc. as a case study and best practice, you will learn how to create a thriving workforce through an integrated Occupational Skills Training and Incumbent Worker Training strategy. You will also discuss the role played by educational providers, such as JobWorks Education & Training, in implementing this new approach. Attendees acquired a blueprint to promote richer and deeper career pathways by leveraging two tools that many workforce organizations already have access to: Occupational Skills Training and Incumbent Worker Training funds.

To learn more about NAWB, visit https://forum.nawb.org/

Presentation completed for Mira Awards

JobWorks Inc., was represented by John Casella, Donna Morgan, and Tom Kavanagh at the Mira Awards live judging presentation held recently. This presentation is just one part of the Mira Award process. JobWorks, Inc. was named as a nominee for TechPoint’s 24th annual Mira Awards. The awards honor the “Best in Tech” in Indiana according to TechPoint, an Indianapolis nonprofit growth accelerator for Indiana’s technology sector. In total, 78 nominees were chosen from a record number of entries and represent all regions of the state.

Read more about this nomination by clicking here.

JAG students tout program as impactful

Recently, two students were on hand at a school board meeting in Hammond, Ind. to share their experiences after having participated in the JAG program. These students said the program impacted their lives “for the better.” While we know that our JAG programs provides students with great educational experiences, it is also a program that develops a student’s confidence. We are excited to hear from these students and to celebrate their success. Watch the video from the meeting to hear from them in their own words:

‘Good luck’ wishes for CDC competitors

JobWorks Indiana JAG Managers found time to wish each other’s students “Good Luck” at the State CDC Event in Indianapolis, IN on March 17, 2023. Pictured from left to right are:
✅Jody Robinson, JAG Manager Indiana Region 11
✅Cherish Shafer, JAG Manager Indiana Region 1
✅Danetta Jones, JAG Manger Indiana Region 1
✅Ethan Groff, JAG Manager Indiana Region 4

The Indiana affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates recently held its annual Career Development Conference at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. State CDC is JAG Indiana’s flagship event, bringing more than 120 students together to compete in 10 individual competitions, one team competition and three chapter events for award money. Read a complete list of award winners at https://events.in.gov/event/jag_winners_list

JobWorks receives nomination for a Mira Award

FORT WAYNE – ‘It’s an honor just to be nominated,’ so the saying goes, and it couldn’t be truer for JobWorks, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Fort Wayne, who was just named as a nominee for TechPoint’s 24th annual Mira Awards.

The awards honor the “Best in Tech” in Indiana according to TechPoint, an Indianapolis nonprofit growth accelerator for Indiana’s technology sector. In total, 78 nominees were chosen from a record number of entries and represent all regions of the state.

“We are honored to be nominated for this prestigious award,” said Tom Kavanagh, Chief Operating Officer for JobWorks, Inc. “It’s a great testament to our team’s effort and dedication day in and day out, as well as the impact they are making in the workforce and tech space.”

JobWorks, Inc., is a national workforce development organization based in Fort aimed at helping employers with innovative solutions while assisting employees in dissolving barriers to employment. Through online classes, in-person training and a variety of innovative solutions, the vision to open doors to greater employment opportunities is being applauded.

JobWorks, Inc. was named in the Education Impact Award list. This category is aimed at recognizing STEM educators, organizations, coaches, programs, and platforms that provide tech opportunities for learners of any age, create economic opportunities, and provide positive impact on student success and the future workforce.

Nominees were chosen by 56 independent judges. In March, nominees will have the chance to present their cases as well as be interviewed by judging panels. Winners will be announced April 22, 2023 during the Mira Awards Gala in Indianapolis.

When added together, the list of nominees represents more than 57,000 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. According to TechPoint’s website, more than 2,000 nominees have been selected since 1999, and a grand total of 292 people, products and companies have been honored with Mira Awards.

To learn more about TechPoint’s Mira Awards, visit https://techpoint.org/2023-mira-awards

To learn more about JobWorks, Inc., visit www.jobworksincorporated.org

Event slated to pair diversity with tech opportunities

FORT WAYNE --  A unique event is being planned to serve diverse, would-be employees in technology in Northeast Indiana. “Come Together Over Tech” is a think-tank opportunity for diverse stakeholders to literally come together and discuss solutions to increase more diversity in the area’s tech industry.

JobWorks, Inc., is a national workforce development organization based in Fort aimed at helping employers with innovative solutions while assisting employees in dissolving barriers to employment and is leading the charge hoping to bring more awareness around diversity in the tech industry. Supporting and co-hosting the event is Indiana Tech along with two Indianapolis groups Techpoint and Innopower.

“Our mission is to bring these conversations to the table,” said Tom Kavanagh JobWorks, Inc.’s chief operating officer. “We want the solutions to come from many viewpoints within the community. That’s why we’re inviting educators, employers, politicians, community members and business owners to come and join the conversation.”

Slated to be held Tuesday, February 28th at Indiana Tech’s Corporate Engagement Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free event is open to community members interested in working in tech as well as organizations supporting talent development.

“Bringing together a group like this means we can hear ideas from a variety of different perspectives,” said Greg Perigo, Indiana Tech’s director of strategic partnerships. “This allows us to align partnerships and like-minded people with a singular focus – to bring more intention to not only tech jobs in the area, but opening up these opportunities to a diverse demographic.”

Kavanagh and Perigo agree that this event isn’t all talk, but a starting point to effectively carryout targeted actions that’s seen in the community.

“This is just to get the ball rolling,” said Perigo. “We hope to end the day having a plan of attack for what’s next and how we can continue coming together to address serving those that can benefit most from tech opportunities.”

“Come Together Over Tech,” is an event fueled by Techpoint Mission 41K, an effort to add more than 41,000 tech jobs to the Hoosier workforce. TechPoint, the non-profit, industry-led growth accelerator for Indiana’s tech ecosystem, and InnoPower, a seed-stage impact investment program led by former NFL stalwart Emil Ekiyor, are working to increase employment opportunities for Black and Brown Hoosiers in Indiana’s burgeoning tech sector.  TechPoint, InnoPower, and JobWorks, Inc. will facilitate the gathering focused on developing inclusive tech talent in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.

 For more information about the event as well as links to register to attend visit www.jobworksincorporated.org/tech.

JAG students visit DC

Recently, students from Hammond Central High School visited Washington DC for the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA). These students were participants in the Jobs for America’s Graduate (JAG Indiana). NSLA is a capstone leadership experience for National Career Association state officers and local chapter leaders providing unique experiences through experiential learning, real-world applicability, and networking.

In addition to leadership development, JAG participants will explore our Nation’s Capital, visit with leaders on Capitol Hill, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and sightsee during the Twilight Monument Tour.

Pictured are Specialist Elizabeth Mangan and students Natalya Torres and Quentin Stewart.

Region 1 JAG gathered for annual Leadership Development conference.

In December, Region 1 JAG gathered at Calumet College of St. Joseph for our annual Leadership Development conference. This was a great event planned our by JAG Coordinator, Krystal Swain!

 The Leadership Development Conference (LDC) is a regional event for Career Association chapter officers to attend officer training. The Career Association is a vehicle to deliver the JAG competencies. It is co-curricular, using class time to plan, implement, and evaluate activities upon which the members decide. The Leadership Development Conference is vital in preparing chapter officers to effectively perform their roles and plan activities that address the five goals of the Career Association, which are Leadership Development, Career Development, Social Activities, Civic Activities, and Community Service.

3 awarded for outstanding service

Morgan Goddard was named the YAS Innovator of the Year

Nicole Denike was named YAS Outstanding Staff of the Year

Carlos Marroquin was named YAS Outstanding Staff of the Year

Three JobWorks staff were recently honored with awards for their innovative and outstanding service at the Young Adult Services Summit 2022.

• Morgan Goddard: YAS Innovator of the Year

• Nicole Denike, YAS outstanding staff of the year

• Carlos Marroquin, YAS outstanding staff of the year

Outstanding Staff: The Outstanding Staff Awards go to Young Adult Services members, be they case managers, career coaches, etc., who are responsible for the daily service provision of out-of-school youth in our local Work One offices. These four awards are given to those staff members who have gone the extra-extra mile; who have demonstrated excellent service in a field already crowded with extraordinary people.

Innovator: The Innovator Award recognizes a staff member who has provided innovative services or created connections, through partnerships and employment opportunities, to or for out-of-school youth. This is a special designation and a vital one to our workforce needs; change is constant in our world and for those we serve, and keeping pace with this is an absolute must if we are to be successful in our vocation. Staying on the cutting edge of what we do is no easy task; and forecasting the changes to come is even less so.

JobWorks sponsors workforce symposium

Ron Painter was the guest speaker at the 2022 Indiana Workforce Board Alliance (IWBA) Symposium.

At the 2022 Indiana Workforce Board Alliance (IWBA) Symposium, held in Indianapolis on Thursday, November 17, 2022, JobWorks Education and Training was represented by Tom Kavanagh, Terri Simons and Vic Oberhausen. In addition to attending the event, JobWorks sponsored the lunch where Ron Painter was the guest speaker.

Read more about the event at https://www.in-wba.org/resources/inwba-workforce-symposium-to-be-held-on-november-17-2022

JobWorks represented at youth symposium

Recently, Tom Kavanagh and John Casella, recently led a discussion at the NAWDP Youth Symposium on the Strategies to Connect Youth of All Backgrounds to I.T. Jobs.

Although technology jobs are often not viewed as a viable option for youth, JobWorks Education & Training has successfully connected young adults to in-demand IT careers. This workshop, focused on replicable strategies, recruitment practices, training model, partnerships, funding sources, and unique supports that have helped train and prepare youth of nearly all backgrounds for technical support roles.

Since 2019, our IT boot camps have served 600 students from diverse regions, including underserved neighborhoods in Philadelphia to rural towns across Iowa. These students include In-School Youth, Out-of-School Youth, Dislocated Workers, and more. Furthermore, despite your location, there is often overlooked demand for entry-level tech jobs, due to the rise of remote and work-from-home employment. Attendees will learn about best practices to connect Youth to IT jobs through our unique perspective and experience as a WIOA Youth Service Provider and training organization.

See more about the NAWDP Youth Symposium at https://whova.com/embedded/session/RJDGT9PuW3SGHMMP86qz%4064SYTW0VVJ77%40KPObYY0B8%3D/2669436/?widget=secondary

Panelists speak to the impact of IT certs

Recently, our National Director John Casella, was featured on a panel discussion for Learning Leaders 2022. The session entitled, The Impact of IT Certification on Employee Retention and Skills Gaps, revealed key takeaways from research reports, together with steps to mitigate bottom-line impacts, close skills gaps, and boost everything from productivity to morale.

According to the research provided by Learning Leaders 2022, the United States’ leadership position in the tech industry may be at risk, thanks to the global talent shortage. According to consulting firm Korn Ferry, when considering tech alone, the U.S. stands to lose upwards of $162 billion in revenue unless it finds—or trains—more high-tech workers to fill that skills gap. Faced with this conundrum, how are companies adapting and what are they doing to resolve it?

Findings from recent global surveys of the IT community, including employers, showed that the IT community places a great deal of value on certification and credentialing. Our analysis of the survey data revealed a clear and common thread: the importance individuals place on IT certification and the sustained efforts most put into attaining their goals (Pearson VUE 2021 Value of IT Certification Report).

Read more about about the conference at https://learning2022.com/session/the-impact-of-it-certification-on-employee-retention-and-skills-gaps/?returnto=/program/sessions/&sessionevent=6&sessionsort=time