As major construction projects continue to shape Northwest Indiana's economic landscape, Crossroads Chamber and the Central Midwest Carpenters Union are working to strengthen the region's skilled workforce by connecting contractors, educators and students through internships and career pathways.
The organizations partnered to host Come Build With Us: Building Tomorrow's Workforce Through Internships and Career Pathways recently at the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters in Merrillville. The event brought together representatives from construction, education and workforce development to explore opportunities for expanding student internships and work-based learning.
"Connecting contractors with high school programs is one of the most effective ways to build a strong workforce pipeline," said Travis Williams, a representative of the Central Midwest Carpenters Union. "It gives students real world exposure to rewarding careers while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they will need for the major construction projects underway and coming to Northwest Indiana."
A central focus of the discussion was making internships more accessible and financially feasible for local employers. Featured speaker Will Hall, assistant director of talent and training with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Workforce Excellence, outlined available funding opportunities, including EARN Indiana, a state program that reimburses eligible employers for up to 50% of qualified interns' wages.
"Internships give students real work experience and give employers a direct line to their future workforce," Hall said. "Through EARN Indiana, employers can be reimbursed for up to half of an intern's wages, so more Northwest Indiana businesses can pay students for meaningful work instead of asking them to choose between learning and earning."
The discussion also addressed the importance of stronger collaboration between schools and industry partners to ensure students have access to meaningful career experiences before entering the workforce.
Bob Phelps, director of career and technical education at Southlake Career Cooperative, emphasized the need for regional coordination.
