U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Located in:

b. 1. Work-Based Training Models

If the State is utilizing work-based training models (e.g. on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transitional jobs, and customized training) as part of its training strategy and these strategies are not already discussed in other sections of the plan, describe the State’s strategies for how these models ensure high quality training for both the participant and the employer.

Current Narrative:

The Governor's Workforce Cabinet and DWD will continue to engage partners in the development of strategies, frameworks, and models to best implement work-and-learn experiences as a part of the state strategies, including continuing to elevate the importance of work-and-learn models. By partnering with various employers to mitigate challenges and to determine best practices, the state is able to generate employer support for broader participation statewide. Also, participants are able to establish connections directly with potential employers by using this evidence-based approach to career readiness.

Indiana workforce regions have utilized work-based models for many years. On-the-job and customized trainings have been widely used and very effective tools. Indiana’s policies are developed to ensure that our providers continually evaluate and improve their work and learn strategies. As we expand the use of work-based learning, we encourage the local Workforce Development Boards to monitor and review work-based learning programs through partnerships with schools, districts, and employers. Often, work-based learning experiences in the K-12 space are designed and evaluated between schools and employers. Our Boards can help ensure quality in these experiences for youth and adults by serving as intermediaries for employers, schools, institutions, and other stakeholders.

Indiana is working to increase and improve the work and learn models employed in the state. One specific model that the state is working to enhance and increase are apprenticeships. Indiana has a high number of existing US DOL registered apprenticeships and, with our work going forward, we intend to increase the opportunities for companies to develop and implement apprenticeship training for potential employees. To that end, the Governor, via executive order, established the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning (OWBLA) at DWD to further support federal registered apprenticeships and to create a state model for apprenticeship programs.

The Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship has developed a scalable framework for state-level apprenticeship programs, entitled State Earn and Learn (SEAL). The SEAL model strategically incorporates related instruction, on-the-job training, and rewards for skill gain, which all lead to an industry-recognized certification. SEALs develop a highly trained employee to fill the talent pipeline for Hoosier employers. These models are scaled across the state through a well-coordinated process between regional Workforce Development Boards and OWBLA regional directors. To ensure maximum outreach, participation, and the leverage of various funding, OWBLA recently entered into agreements with all twelve regional workforce development boards for them to become Registered Intermediaries with USDOL. This new structure will allow for the expansion of registered apprenticeship and SEALs, which can be used as a high quality pre-apprenticeship program. Additionally, this creates a mechanism for more efficient allocation of future apprenticeship grant funds