Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
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 (GWC) and Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will continue to engage critical partners in the development and implementation of strategies, frameworks, and models for continued growth in work-based learning opportunities as a part of the State strategies. By partnering with workforce development and industry experts to mitigate challenges and to determine best practices, the State is able to generate employer support and engagement for broader participation statewide.
Indiana workforce regions have utilized work-based learning models for many years. On-the-job, incumbent worker, and customized trainings have been widely used and very effective tools in upskilling/re-skilling participants to meet the needs of employers and industry. Indiana’s policies are developed to ensure that our providers continually evaluate and improve their work-based learning strategies. As we continue to 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 training providers, employers, and other stakeholders to ensure programs continue to meet the needs of their communities.
Indiana is working to increase and improve the work-based learning models employed in the State. One specific model that the State is working on to enhance and increase is apprenticeships. Indiana has a high number of existing U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships and, with our work going forward, we intend to increase the opportunities for companies to develop and implement registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship trainings for existing and potential future employees. To that end, the Governor, via executive order, established the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship (OWBLA) at DWD to further support federal registered apprenticeships and to create a State work-based learning program model.
OWBLA has developed a scalable framework for State-level work-based learning 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 local 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 LWDBs for them to become Registered Intermediaries with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This partnership will allow for the expansion of registered apprenticeship, certified pre-apprenticeship, and SEALs. Additionally, this partnership creates a mechanism for more efficient allocation and usage of future U.S. DOL grant dollars as well as braiding opportunities with other available grant funds.