Skill UP Indiana! Seven graduate from Pulaski County industrial maintenance course
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 17 October 2017 21:00
The Pulaski County Economic Development Commission has announced that seven employees of local industry graduated Oct. 11 from an 18 week-long NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) electrical maintenance training class, provided through a Skill UP Indiana! funding grant.
Their success was celebrated by Braun Ability, Plymouth Tube, Winamac Coil Spring, Leggett and Platt, and Urban Forest Products, a collaboration of local employers.
Requirements of the Skill UP Indiana! grant funding from the Indiana Department of Development included collaboration among employers to support training costs, training space, materials, and equipment. Ivy Tech Community College’s efforts were instrumental in accommodating off campus training facilitation at the space provided by Winamac Coil Spring.
All seven employees had perfect attendance throughout the training course, and demonstrated true dedication to their maintenance craft and commitment to continuous improvement in the advancement of their skills. As the first NIMS Electrical Maintenance training class to be offered at this capacity in the nation, it was a great success for Pulaski County.
“Providing these opportunities to businesses in Northwest Indiana further supports our manufacturers’ efforts to continue the advancement of technologies in their company and gain confidence in their workforce that will foster future growth and expansion,” said Allison Bertl, WorkOne business services manager.
The graduating employees were awarded a nationally recognized credential issued by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
“To have this kind of opportunity brought to the local area to fill a much needed gap in electrical maintenance has been so helpful for our company," said Kevin Whiteman of BraunAbility. "We are grateful for the support from Ivy Tech, Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB), Center of Workforce Innovations, and Pulaski County Economic Development and their partnership in building our local workforce so close to home for our employees.”
Pulaski County Economic Development enabled the course in Pulaski County through its contributions of training equipment, previously secured by an innovative curriculum grant.
“Without this kind of collaboration, these opportunities wouldn’t be possible,” said Bertl.
Employers report that their employees who completed the training have already shown tremendous results on the job.
Bertl says companies with workforce needs in manufacturing or other industries should contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (219) 462-2940, ext. 41.
