BizVoice -- March / April 2018

March/April 2018 – BizVoice/Indiana Chamber 45 “You need a lot of different types of employees to run an operation. My experience in trying to make sure (HMIN had) the right mix and how to source those (positions) helps me and suits me perfectly for this job.” Engagement, engagement, engagement! Connection and collaboration are the two main areas Payne wants to make sure are as strong as possible, noting they will help the agency achieve its objectives. Direct engagement is what Payne most emphasizes – whether that’s with workforce development boards, employers, service providers and, of course, employees. “If we are connecting employers and people through engagement, we are understanding the needs of people who come to us for assistance wanting a direct connection to a job or a direct connection to some training,” he begins. “(For example) an individual comes in and says, ‘I know I want to become X.’ We let the person know what type of certification is needed, give them a timeframe for when they can expect to achieve that, if they go through the proper training, and let them know what type of jobs would be available. It’s that type of engagement I want to make sure we are driving home.” For employers, Payne pushes utilizing such initiatives as Indiana Career Ready and Next Level webinars, as well as getting to know your local WorkOne offices. “This agency provides a variety of data that employers and organizations can use to help them predict where the jobs are going to be. We have a variety of online tools now that have been developed and put in a pipeline that will help employers. … I want to make sure we are equipping employers to make good decisions,” he offers. Payne also requests that the business community be proactive in having a stronger voice at the table. “I want to encourage employers to call us directly. I want to sit down and talk with employers about what they are seeing and hearing, what their plans are and how we can partner with them to achieve their goals. “I want to assure that this agency continues to be known as one that is connecting people and employers, but also provides a variety of other services that different stakeholders can take advantage of.” RESOURCE: Fred Payne, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, at www.in.gov/dwd Company, School Form Cohesive Team About seven years ago, Jasper Engines & Transmissions hosted its first intern from Perry Central Junior-Senior High School. That student, after earning a degree at Purdue University, is part of the Jasper Engines team. That only begins to describe the relationship between the Jasper-based company and the school in Leopold – winners of the second School Counseling-Business Partnership of the Year award presented by the Indiana Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Jody French, Perry Central principal, says, “It is amazing what can happen when education and business and industry sit at the table together. We are excited about the real-world opportunities we have been able to create for our students.” French outlines how the partnership has evolved: • Creation of the student-led Commodore Manufacturing facility, a vendor for both Jasper Engines and Waupaca Foundry. The initial product line was packaging Jasper’s brake pads; assembling transmission coolers was recently added. Students implement their own work processes, quality checks and more. Luke Bawel, vice president of logistics for the company, has provided invaluable mentoring and feedback, according to French. Bawel notes, “Partnership with Perry Central has been a true match as we are always looking for ways to connect with youth; teaching them not only advanced manufacturing skills but also soft skills that will help them be successful in life.” • Creation of an Advanced Manufacturing pathway for students through implementing the HIRE Technology curriculum. Jasper Engines sends associates to work with students in the classroom an average of every other week, “bringing the curriculum to life” in French’s words. Students can earn up to 12 hours of dual credit through the program. • The Work Ethic Certificate program has been in place at Perry Central for three years, with Jasper Engines a key partner since day one. The company has offered financial incentives for students successfully learning the soft skills and committing to working for the company in the future. Students can earn an extra $3,000 over three years. The award features a $1,000 scholarship for a student selected by the school. Steven Parr was on the leadership team that helped start Commodore Manufacturing. He will complete the Advanced Manufacturing pathway and earn 12 credits from Ivy Tech Community College. A current intern at Jasper Engines, he hopes to finish his technical certificate in Manufacturing Production and Operations at Ivy Tech and obtain a full-time position at Jasper Engines. The Indiana Chamber Foundation has completed extensive research on effective school counseling practices and conducted events to facilitate business-education connections. The award was presented February 7 during the annual Indiana INTERNnet IMPACT Awards event. RESOURCE: Indiana Chamber Foundation at www.indianachamber.com/about/indiana- chamber-foundation Accepting the School Counseling-Business Partnership of the Year award are (from left): Perry Central’s Mary Roberson and Jody French, Susan Remke of Jasper Engines & Transmission and Perry Central scholarship recipient Steven Parr. Shelley Huffman (right) is the Indiana Chamber Foundation director of college and career readiness.