Workforce Coalition
The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council's Workforce Coalition was created in 2018 upon receiving the Indiana Skill Up 3 Grant from Indiana's Department of Workforce Development. The grant, totaling over $1,000,000, was written with the foundation of 3 goals/objectives and 4 strategies to acheive those. Joe Timbrook was hired as the Director of Career Development to manage the Workforce Coalition grant project and all that it encompasses. There is also a Core Team comprised of local stakeholders that operates much like a directing board, as well as multiple task forces to guide the specific efforts.
Mission
To increase the number of workers qualified to fill employment positions by adopting an industry driven approach that aligns workforce needs with education and training offerings.
Goals
- Prepare all students for careers while in high school
- Increase postsecondary attainment
- Increase adult education and training programs, certifications and employment
Strategies
- Increase the utilization of the North Lawrence Career Center by youth and adults in the region
- Increase the number of internships and apprenticeships in the region
- Increase job skills of unemployed and underemployed with outreach to justice-involved residents
- Develop and implement an awareness initiative around career and job opportunities
Justice-Involved Activities
The Lawrence County Workforce Coalition is dedicated to partnering with our local community corrections leaders to facilitate connections with local employers that may be interested in hiring individuals involved in the justice system. We know there is a great need in our community for felon-friendly employers, and we invite you to learn more about the program by filling out the form below. You can also view those employers that have joined the partnership in the PDF.
Justice-Involved Employer Information Form
Justice-Involved Program Employer List - PDF
2019 Employer Survey
The Internship Program Manager launched a survey in 2019 to help discover key information from Lawrence County Employers. The survey was sent to over 250 employers and had a remarkable response rate at over 26%. Key findings from the survey showed us data such as: what characteristics employers are looking for in their talent pool, how many of our employers drug test their employees, and much more. The Workforce Coalition hopes the results of this survey will encourage more employers to get involved with their task forces and efforts in the area of workforce development. You can find the full survey results below:
