Unfortunately, we have to cancel our workshop tonight due to flood concerns. The topics for tonight will be discussed at the next two workshops. These workshops are still FREE and are open to surrounding communities. Thank you for understanding. (fb)

Sharing some of Ivy Tech's Research Ivy Tech Study: 82,000 Upskilled Indiana Workers Needed Annually Posted Apr 05, 2025 Updated: Apr 5, 2025 @ 6:40 AM Ivy Tech has recently released a study showing that Indiana’s growing workforce demands call for 82,000 upskilled or reskilled workers annually. The photo included is from Ivy Tech Community College. News Release INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana must upskill or reskill more than 82,000 working adults each year over the next decade to meet evolving workforce demands, according to a new white paper released Thursday by Ivy Tech Community College and Ohio-based consulting firm TEConomy Partners LLC. The report, titled “Indiana’s Workforce Transformation: Understanding the Need for Upskilling and Reskilling in a Changing Economy,” ( https://www.ivytech.edu/about-ivy-tech/news/all-locations/2025/new-report-highlights-urgent-need-for-workforce-upskilling-and-reskilling-in-indiana/ ) highlights the state’s growing need for non-degree credentials, such as certificates, licenses and apprenticeships, to fill critical roles in advanced manufacturing, logistics, health care and technology. According to Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann, nearly 70% of open positions in these key sectors require some form of postsecondary education or training. The white paper emphasizes that population constraints are limiting Indiana’s ability to expand its workforce. As a result, the state must improve productivity by better utilizing and training its existing workforce. “A paradigm shift is underway, with employers transitioning from being ‘reactive consumers’ of talent to ‘co-developers’ of Hoosier talent,” the report said. It encourages closer collaboration between employers and education providers to align training with industry needs. Data from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education shows only 53% of high school graduates pursue education or training beyond high school. Ivy Tech argues that non-degree credentials can serve as a fast, affordable path to better jobs. Ellspermann stated the credentials that come with specialized training have additional benefits, citing the state’s Workforce Ready Grant as evidence. She noted that workers who earned short-term credentials saw an average wage increase of $6,000 within a year. Of the 82,000 workers identified for annual upskilling or reskilling, nearly half are in the health care sector, including roles such as nurses, medical assistants and health care technicians. Another 24,000 positions in transportation and logistics will also require new skills, particularly in digital logistics and supply chain technologies. Ivy Tech currently delivers about 25,000 non-degree credentials each year — nearly half of all non-degree credentials awarded in Indiana — but Ellspermann said meeting future demands will require a statewide, collaborative effort. The college will invite employers, industry associations and state officials to work together on solutions to close the state’s growing skills gap. (fb)