Adult job skills class aiding people with varied backgrounds (Times-Mail)

By Krystal Shetler Times-Mail

BEDFORD — Eyes filled with excitement, Jason Kristan hopes the new opportunity he’s been given will help springboard his recovery efforts. He found it at the North Lawrence Career Center, where an adult job skills class has given him and 11 other individuals a taste of the local job market. More importantly, it’s giving them hope.

Kristan was released from prison in October, but was struggling to find gainful employment. He continues to work on his sobriety and is making efforts to reconnect with his family, especially his daughters. And, after nearly two years of a lot of what he describes as “self-reflection,” he’s ready to take the next step in getting his life back in order after struggling with addiction. That begins with a good-paying job — hopefully, in the construction field.

“This is a chance, and that’s what a lot of us need — a chance,” Kristan said. “I’ve put a lot of work into myself over the past couple of years, and now is the time to get back on my feet. I hope a job arises from this.”
 
The third cohort of the Lawrence County Workforce Coalition’s Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills course is taking place now at the North Lawrence Career Center. It wraps up with graduation Monday. The third session has been in the works since September, but the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic kept delaying its start. In the beginning, 22 people were enrolled, but after all of the delays, only 12 could make it to the free, three-week course that introduces participants to building and construction trades, welding and computer numerical control machining.

“This time around, the class is split about half and half, with about half of our participants funneled in here through the justice system and the other half just heard about it by word of mouth from other attendees,” said Joe Timbrook, director of career development for the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, which oversees the workforce coalition. “Initially, we needed a funnel to get participants in here, so we were able to use the justice system for that, but it’s beginning to do exactly what we designed it to do and that’s pull in other adults, who are not in the justice system, but want to obtain necessary job skills or further their education. It’s doing everything we wanted it to do. Everybody who has participated either has a job, internship or apprenticeship, or they are working toward their HSE (high school equivalency) or are seeking higher education. Since the first cohort, we’ve put 28 people through this class, and we’ve only had one instance of non-success.”

A graduate of the second cohort, Jessica Terrell, obtained a job at Stone City Products after completing the course. She was trained for her new position by Dawn Bruhy. After hearing Terrell rave about the program, Dawn and her husband Marty are voluntarily enrolled in the job skills class, hoping it will help them climb the ladder in their careers.

“I’d like to learn something new and work my way up,” Dawn Bruhy said. “There’s no way, financially, I could’ve taken this program or obtained these skills on my own. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to learn. ... And, now, my husband has no reason not to let me mess with his power tools in the garage.”

Each class, thus far, Timbrook said, has been different, based on the breadth of knowledge the individuals bring into the situation. The coalition also tweaks the program, as needed, based on feedback from the instructors, participants, employers and other stakeholders.
 
“This will be the last class for this year,” Timbrook said. “We’re going to stop, tweak and take a look at what we want 2021 to look like. It changes because things change. Our goal is always to meet participants where they’re at and meet their needs. It’s really a work in progress and always will be. ... We’re here to help people get everything they can out of the program, and I credit the instructors for tailoring the curriculum to the skill level of the participants. That’s the beauty of these teachers.”

Brad Gilbert, who teaches the week-long course in CNC machining, is proud of his workshop at the career center. In the past two years, approximately 20 new machines have been added, thanks to partnerships with Vincennes University, the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and Hoosier Uplands, among other avenues. CNC machining, he explained, is utilized in a variety of workplaces in the area, including Stone City Products, Bedford Machine and Tool, D&M Tool and Whitney Tool, making it a vital component of the skills program.

“This has been unbelievable to be a part of,” Gilbert said. “It has been so rewarding to see these students who are eager to learn. ... Our past students have told us this gives them hope, and hope is a great first step. ... It proves that no matter who you are, you can continue your education and build up to something better. ... It’s wonderful to see them all make the most of the opportunity they’ve been given.”

Evan Barnhart is among the class participants and is working to make the most of the knowledge he’s gaining through the course. Now that he’s been introduced to the new skillsets, he’s eager to learn more.

“I have literally been waiting for a chance like this for a long time,” Barnhart said. “I personally love learning and getting to interact with it. It’s a great opportunity, and it has really gotten my mindset geared toward learning more. What they’re doing here — exposing people to new skills and traits — it’s a valuable thing, really. ... It makes me want more, to do more, to get something you can use and dive into a career, something you enjoy. That would mean more than anything to me.”

The skills class was awarded the Talent and Innovation Award last month by Regional Opportunity Initiatives for its innovative way of improving the regional workforce. Funded through grant money and community donations, the skills class provides students with a certificate of completion to show prospective employers and add to their resume, which they will have the opportunity to craft as part of course curriculum. They also earn $250 for completing the course.

“The community support for this program has been amazing,” Timbrook said. “This is the best part of my day. I love watching the participants interact and support one another as they all go through this together. They are respectful and appreciative. ... What’s happening here is good for us, good for them, good for the community and good for our employers. It’s a win-win, and we’re just thrilled to be a part of it.”