Spring 2020 Valparaiso Magazine
The size of the gap between open jobs and available trades workers is widening. The spring issue of Valparaiso Magazine takes a closer look at this growing need in our own community and the educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing this lucrative career niche.
The size of the gap between open jobs and available trades workers is widening.
The spring issue of Valparaiso Magazine takes a closer look at this growing need in our own community and the educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing this lucrative career niche.
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Indiana Commission of Higher Education. “That’s why Governor Holcomb enacted free training<br />
for Hoosiers and reimbursements to employers through the Next Level Jobs program,” Sikoski<br />
says. “The opportunities in these growing fields are diverse and include manufacturing,<br />
construction, healthcare, information technology, and transportation and logistics.” He adds<br />
that the increase in construction spending and the demand for alternative energy sources<br />
means that employment of electricians is projected to grow faster than other occupations<br />
on average. And, the demand for skilled healthcare workers goes beyond the wellpublicized<br />
nursing shortage and includes certified nursing assistants, healthcare<br />
specialists, EMTs and paramedics.<br />
Community colleges such as Ivy Tech Community College provide the credentials<br />
needed for many in-demand skilled trade careers. These credentials are a smart<br />
career investment because they can lead to a high-paying job with minimal<br />
training and cost, Sikoski says. He recommends that anyone considering<br />
a career in the skilled trades start by scheduling a tour at the <strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
Ivy Tech campus at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive. “We offer career development<br />
services and tools that can assist folks with finding a path that’s fitting for<br />
their future. Don’t hesitate to talk to people in your industry of choice to<br />
learn about opportunities and expectations. A great career is within<br />
reach, and it doesn’t have to take a long time to achieve or cost a lot<br />
of money.” Sikoski points to NIPSCO as an example of a high-paying<br />
regional employer, who has hired 40-45 Ivy Tech Students for<br />
various positions. Students graduating from Ivy Tech Community<br />
College with a technical certificate in energy technology/power<br />
plant are eligible to apply for those positions. >><br />
PennsyDepotRoom.com<br />
Instructor and apprentices at the IN/KY/OH<br />
Regional Council of Carpenters<br />
left inset: IN/KY/OH Regional Council<br />
of Carpenters<br />
Charlesworth<br />
Financial<br />
Services<br />
2000 Comeford Rd<br />
<strong>Valparaiso</strong><br />
219-531-9519<br />
ValpoChamber.org 7
Change language