Workforce Coalition sees continued success with training initiative
Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – The 11th and largest graduating class of a Lawrence County job skills program will graduate Thursday at the North Lawrence Career Center.
Fifteen Lawrence County residents completed the Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills program. Previously the largest class on record was 12 graduates.
Featured speaker will be Jessica Terrell, a graduate of the first cohort in 2020.
Terrell will speak to the graduates and those in attendance regarding her life and career since she completed the class.
During the three-week technical and employability skills training coordinated by the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council’s (LCEGC) Workforce Coalition, students spend time learning construction, machining and welding.
All participants also are introduced to careers in health & safety and receive certification in CPR, first aid and Stop the Bleed.
A portion of the participants will continue their education with the Lawrence County Adult Education program to obtain their High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSE) at no cost.
A few intend to enroll in Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program (at no cost) to advance their skills for careers in construction, machining and welding. Some participants’ “next step” will involve starting a new job/career.
“We know there is a large population of residents in Lawrence County that, with some training, could fill the current increasingly high employment openings we see with our local and high-demand jobs,” said Joe Timbrook, Lawrence County Economic Growth Council director of career development.
Grace Thompson, a local Purdue Extension educator, led a session on how to prepare a resume/cover letter, interview skills, dress for success and practice team-building principles.
“We’d like to thank our sponsor, General Motors; our partner, North Lawrence Career Center; with special thanks to our instructors, Brad Gilbert, Matt Olson, David McCart, and Arienne Evans for supporting this effort,” Timbrook said. “This program is life-changing, and it’s been humbling to witness; however, none of it would have been possible without this community of invested stakeholders coming together to make it happen.”
The Lawrence County Workforce Coalition is accepting students for the next cohort to be held in early 2023. The ideal student is a Lawrence County resident not yet earning a living wage. If you are interested in participating in the program, or an employer interested in conducting interviews and/or getting involved, contact Joe Timbrook at 812-583-1095 or [email protected].
director of career development.
About the LCEGC
About the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council: The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council is a non-profit, local economic development organization (LEDO) existing to support growth of Lawrence County Businesses including startup support, workforce solutions, and technical assistance which promotes investment that improves the quality of life for our citizens. Learn more at www.lawrencecountygrowth.com.