Preparing a work force; Program offers pre-apprenticeship training

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, right, came to Fort Wayne on Monday afternoon to announce the distribution of money for area Major Opportunities pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction trades. Daniels listens as Mark A. Keen, chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, explains the program at the Urban League offices on South Hanna Street.

More than $125,000 was awarded to Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne to train 50 people. Campuses in South Bend, Gary, Indianapolis and Evansville also received money.

About 640 people statewide are expected to be trained. Trainers will be eligible for an additional $350,000 in incentives if they hit certain levels in such areas as job placement.

"We're entering an era of record-breaking building across Indiana," Daniels said. "We'll need 300 people in the Highway Department alone."

Applicants must first take an assessment test at a WorkOne job development center to determine their competency level in reading, math, reasoning and other areas. How they do dictates whether they're eligible for the pre-apprenticeship training; if they're not, WorkOne staff will help applicants find other employment.

Training begins in November and lasts 12 to 16 weeks. Students will take a second test to determine the best specific trade for them to pursue construction, electrical, etc.

A case-management company will be assigned to monitor the candidates' progress and help them find employment. "The idea is to get them up to speed," said Kimberly Pontius, executive director of the Workforce & Economic Development division at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne. "Hopefully, we'll keep this program if it's successful."

Although the Fort Wayne Urban League is not involved with the Major Opportunities program, the office supports the program, and sponsored a similar initiative this year, said president and CEO Jonathan Ray.

Through a partnership with the ABC Specialty Co. of Fort Wayne, the Urban League ran a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program that had students attending a three-hour class once a week. Ray said the first class of 14 African-American men graduated in June and is now working in apprenticeships in plumbing, electrical and other skilled trades with ABC. A class of 12 students is now in training.

"We believe (programs like) Major Opportunities that targets African Americans and Hispanics is exactly what's needed in the community," Ray said. "It's really the next level."

Added Daniels: "There are very few jobs left that you don't need to have minimal language or skills training. You can't just show up with a strong work ethic and think that's going to be enough."

Job facts About 3 million jobs are available statewide, according to August 2006 seasonally adjusted figures from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. About 158,000 jobs were available in construction, about 573,000 in manufacturing and about 586,000 in trade, transportation and utility fields. African Americans and Hispanics comprise about 24 percent of the U.S. work force and fill about 12 percent of construction jobs nationwide, according to Workforce Development. Hourly wages in the construction field vary. On the high end last year, elevator installers and repairers earned $28.89 hourly. On the low end, highway maintenance workers earned $10.84 hourly, according to Workforce Development. To apply Interested in the Major Opportunities program? Apply at the Fort Wayne WorkOne Office, 201 E. Rudisill Blvd., Suite 202. The office phone number is 745-3555, Ext. 364. Or visit www.in.gov/dwd.