Showing posts with label WorkOne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WorkOne. Show all posts

Thursday, October 3, 2019

SCEDF to Host Manufacturers Day Event & Job Fair Next Week

Posted on October 3, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Local students will have a chance to ‘Tune into their Futures’ when the Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosts their annual Manufacturers Day next week.

On Thursday, October 10th the Foundation will host approximately 350 seventh grade students from the Knox, Oregon-Davis, North Judson-San Pierre, and Culver School Corporations.

Seventh grade was chosen as the best age group to present the program to since what they learn can be utilized the following year when they start preparing their high school graduation pathways.

With knowledge of what is at stake, officials hope that students will properly prepare for their future, whether that includes college, a vocational program or going straight into the workforce.  The goal of this program is to equip kids with the knowledge they need to start making that decision.

Many area industries will take part in the event including ACPI Corporation, Callisons, Knox Fertilizer Company, Kruz Inc, MPI, Norton Packaging, Outstanding Tradeshow Exhibit Services, Traffic Control Specialists, Toll Integrated Systems, and others, as well as the Starke County Initiative for Life Long Learning (SCILL).

Students will have the chance to learn what each company manufactures, who they sell their products to and for what use, what types of jobs are available in the company, and most importantly, what job skills and education are required to secure employment.

At the conclusion of the tour, students will receive a “goodie bag” that includes items for them to take home that are based on the theme in addition to a brochure highlighting SCILL and each of the industries they visited and a crossword puzzle for the students to complete related to their visit.

According to officials, this event is now in its seventh year and has proven to be well-received by all who have participated.

The Foundation uses this, in part, as a way to answer the industry’s cries for help in finding workers with proper job skills while at the same time showing students the opportunities that are available to them in their home community if they have the skills employers need. 

In addition to providing an opportunity for students, the SCEDF will be co-hosting a job fair with WorkOne on Wednesday, October 9th.

The event will be held in the Knox Middle School auxiliary gymnasium and will run from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. All job seekers are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions, contact the SCEDF at 574-772-5627.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Starke County Employers ‘Desperate for Workers,’ According to Economic Development Foundation

Posted on May 11, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Efforts continue to try to match high school seniors with local employers with positions to fill.

Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation says the foundation recently teamed up with WorkOne to host a job fair. “This one was just for high school seniors,” he told the Hamlet Town Council Wednesday.

“We had them from North Judson, O-D, Knox, and Culver. We had 12 or 13 employers, a whole variety of employers, that were there. We had about 200 students go through that.”

He continued, “Some of them came with résumés. Some of them were dressed appropriately, to try to get a job, and we know that some people did get hired even as a result of that. So that’s good.” Gifford said this was the second year for the event.

He added that employers are getting desperate for workers. “I think you can go by about any industrial plant that we have in the county and there’s a sign out that says, ‘We’re hiring.’ So there’s jobs.”

In other business Wednesday, the Hamlet Town Council agreed to contribute $150 toward this summer’s Knox fireworks display, as it has for the past few years.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

October will be Full of Career Building Opportunities For Starke County Students

Posted on September 6, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Annual Starke County Economic Development Foundation Manufacturers Day is about a month away.

For the last six years, the SCEDF has partnered with the Oregon-Davis, North Judson-San Pierre, Knox and Culver School Corporations to provide this opportunity to middle school students in Starke County.

This year’s Manufactures Day event will be held on Thursday, October 4th. At that time, approximately 350 7th grade students from all four school corporations will gather at Knox Middle School to learn what local companies have to offer.

According to a SCEDF press release, students will venture around to see what each company manufactures, who they sell their products to and for what use, what types of jobs are available in a particular company and what job skills and education are necessary to secure employment at the company.

When the tour concludes, students will receive a “goodie bag” that will include a brochure highlighting SCILL and each of the industries they visited as well as a word search puzzle for the students to complete related to their visit.

During this same week in October, senior students and their parents are invited to attend a “Career Exploration” event. This will be a chance for seniors to meet one-on-one with local manufacturers to explore employment opportunities.

It will be held in conjunction with a Career Fair which will occur on Wednesday, October 3rd from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Knox Middle School Auxiliary Gymnasium. Job seekers are also encouraged to attend the Career Fair. This event is co-sponsored by WorkOne and the SCEDF.

According to SCEDF representatives, they offer these events as a way to answer the industry’s cries for help in finding workers with proper job skills while simultaneously engaging students in the opportunities that are available in their community.

If you have any questions, contact the Starke County Economic Development Foundation at 574- 772-5627

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

North Judson-San Pierre School Board Approves Memorandum of Understanding with WorkOne

Posted on January 17, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre school board approved a memorandum of understanding between the NJ-SP School Corporation and the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board when they met Tuesday night.

According to information provided by Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, or WorkOne, oversees the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program in Indiana High Schools. The agreement between the school and the organization is in line with complying with recent changes to graduation requirements.

Dr. Zupin shared that the program aims to have participants complete their high school diploma, attain employable skills and receive assistance in pursuing post-secondary education and securing quality entry-level jobs, leading to career advancement opportunities.

The JAG program at NJ-SP would include a classroom specialist who would teach courses in leadership skills, academic problems, life skills, personal skills and socio-economic barriers. Program staff would also work to provide job placement services. As participants of the JAG program, NJ-SP students will practice speaking and team skills as well volunteerism and community action.

WorkOne would finance the specialist or teacher, while North Judson-San Pierre would provide the classroom space and support field trips and other activities.

Friday, November 3, 2017

This November WorkOne is Hosting a Kids Coat Drive in Starke and Pulaski Counties

Posted on November 3, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

WorkOne in Pulaski County and Starke County are working together to host a kids’ coat drive this month. Their goal is to assist local children who may not have the proper apparel for the approaching winter months.

Youth Business Engagement Specialist Kathi Holem said this is the first year that WorkOne has held a coat drive. She said that although they will mainly be collecting coats for small children, they are open to donations of other kids’ winter wear as well.

“We’ve also talked about some hats and gloves and I think that’s a great idea. We just want the focus to stay on infant to maybe second and third grade because of space, we’re kind of limited in our offices.” Holem explained, “We’re hoping if this one goes well this year then we’ll do another coat drive next year and maybe expand it to older ages.”

Supplies can be dropped off at the WorkOne in Winamac on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. They can also be dropped off at the WorkOne in Knox Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

Coats will be available for distribution on Monday, November 27th from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. CT at 1913 South Heaton Street in Knox. They will also be distributed on Tuesday, November 28th from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. ET at 123 North Market Street in Winamac.

Holem added that in the coming months, WorkOne is offering a few more programs. In December they will host a toy drive and in January they’re doing a food drive. She said these drives will allow WorkOne to assist the community while also spreading the word about the services they offer that assist individuals with employment, education and training.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Starke County Manufacturer’s Day Event and Job Fair Set

Posted on September 28, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

WorkOne and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation will be hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CT at the Knox Middle School Auxiliary Gym. This is a new event this year that is designed to showcase what is available for employment in Starke County as workers are needed for several positions. Students and adults are invited to this event.

As a supplement to the Job Fair, the annual Manufacturer’s Day in Starke County is set for Thursday, Oct. 12.

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation will host the event at the Knox Middle School where 350 seventh grade students and 200 students from four schools will learn about the various industries in the county.

Students from the Knox Community School Corporation, North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation, Oregon-Davis School Corporation and Culver Community School Corporation will learn what each company manufactures and what job skills and education are necessary to secure employment at the facilities.

This year’s theme is “Focus on Your Future” and each participant will receive a take-home bag full of items based on the theme as well as a brochure highlighting the SCILL Center and each of 16 manufacturers available at the Manufacturer’s Day.

For more information, call (574) 772-5627.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Starke County Looks to Expand WorkOne Partnership

Posted on June 28, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI 

The Starke County Commissioners hope to expand their success with a WorkOne job training program to other departments within county government. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler was the first to take advantage of the agency’s offer of free help to teach young people so-called “soft skills” like showing up to work on time, following directions and adhering to a schedule. WorkOne pays the employees to hone their job skills, and there is no cost to the county.

Last week Starke County Maintenance Director Jim Coad received approval from the commissioners to hire one or two assistants through the program to help with custodial work throughout the county.

The commissioners also suggested Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Jacob Lippner speak to WorkOne about a program participant to help with clerical work in his office. Lippner says having the extra help would free him up to focus on other areas. He says the prospective helper will also have the opportunity to complete free FEMA training in order to learn valuable job skills.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Highway Superintendent Praises WorkOne Partnership

 The job training partnership between the Starke County Highway Department and WorkOne is working out well for the county. It’s designed to teach employees “soft skills” like arriving on time and showing up for scheduled shifts. WorkOne pays their hourly wages and covers the cost of worker’s compensation insurance, while Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler oversees their time cards. He says one part-timer just received his Class A CDL and is going to work in the garage on a trial basis to see if he can fill the apprentice mechanic opening. Ritzler says he will be evaluated after two months, and if he is hired WorkOne will pay $6,000 of his first year salary.
Another three-person crew of WorkOne interns is handling road crew duties this summer. Ritzler says they are assisting with roadway trash pickup. WorkOne is paying their wages.
Ritzler says this benefits the county by freeing up skilled drivers to handle paving and other jobs. He adds the county is under no obligation to hire the program participants after they complete the program and can dismiss workers who do not show up or follow instructions.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

WorkOne Expands County Job Training Program

 The recently announced job training partnership between the Starke County Highway Department and WorkOne has been expanded. It was initially designed to give young people up to age 24 who are not in high school or college a chance to learn “soft skills” like arriving at work on time and showing up for scheduled shifts.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the county commissioners Monday the age limit has been lifted, and the program is now open to adults 18 and over. WorkOne pays their hourly wage and covers worker’s compensation insurance. Ritzler is just responsible for overseeing their time cards.
The workers perform general tasks like picking up trash or dead animals from the roadside. Ritzler says this benefits the county by freeing up skilled drivers to handle paving and other jobs. He adds the county is under no obligation to hire the program participants after they complete the program and can dismiss workers who do not show up or follow instructions.
So far the program is working out well for the county, according to Ritzler.

Friday, April 22, 2016

WorkOne, Starke County Highway Department Team Up to Offer Worker Training

 Young people looking to gain work experience will have an opportunity to do so this summer after action Monday night by the Starke County Commissioners. They approved a partnership between the county highway department and the local WorkOne office. County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler says it will give young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in high school or college a chance to learn “soft skills” like arriving at work on time and showing up for scheduled shifts.
“It provides them with a job and training. WorkOne pays for their hourly rate. We don’t have to pay for that. It benefits us, we have a road crew out there to basically do anything we need, picking up dead deer or trash along the roadside. It allows our skilled drivers to do what they do best. They can do the paving and other things while we’ve got people doing this work. It benefits us, it benefits the county.”
Applicants will work Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. WorkOne will cover the cost of worker’s compensation insurance for the employees and will pay their hourly wages. Ritzler will just oversee their time cards.
He says the road crew supervisor is very excited to help the participants learn job fundamentals like how to work and show up on time for assigned shifts.
Ritzler adds the county is under no obligation to hire the program participants after they complete the program and can dismiss workers who do not show up or follow instructions.
Contact : WorkOne
Attention: Saundra or Cherie
1913 S. Heaton St., Ste. B
Knox, IN 46534
(574) 772-6882

Starke County Highway
3835 E. 250 N.
Knox, IN 46534
(574) 772-3011

Saturday, September 26, 2015

INDOT Hiring Seasonal Help

Published:  By: , WKVI 

 

The Indiana Department of Transportation is getting ready for winter. The agency is teaming up with WorkOne of northwest Indiana to hire seasonal maintenance crew members and snow plow drivers. Positions are available across the entire northwest Indiana district, which includes Starke, Pulaski, Marshall, Fulton, St. Joseph, LaPorte, Porter, Lake, Newton, Jasper, White, Cass and Carroll Counties.
Qualified applicants must have a valid CDL and be able to successfully pass a drug test. Applicants can apply for the positions online right now atin.gov/spd/careers under the Job I.D.#: 598545 (Seasonal) or 597670 (Mechanic).

Thursday, August 28, 2014

SCILL Offers Adult Welding Classes

Published: August 28, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Adults who want to learn to weld or enhance their skills can take advantage of opportunities offered through the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning. Classes offered through the SCILL Center’s Adult Welding Technology program meet two evenings per week for four hours at a time for 12 weeks.

Instructors are AWS certified and bring a great deal of hands-on knowledge to the classroom and lab setting. Students learn about blueprint reading/symbols, welding measurements, safety, MIG/TIG/Stick welding, aluminum welding, stainless welding, rolled pipe welding, oxy acetylene welding, brazing, plasma cutting and oxy fuel burning. They also have an opportunity to visit job fairs, tour area plants and meet with employers who are in need of trained welders. The cost for the class is $2,000 and includes all necessary materials. Eligible participants who apply through WorkOne may have some or all of the fees paid.


Interested applicants can contact WorkOne, SCILL or complete the application posted online at www.scill.biz.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Ancilla Nursing Teams Up With WorkOne to Offer Affordable Training

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: June 16th, 2014
 
A unique opportunity for aspiring nurses has surfaced at Ancilla.

WorkOne is collaborating with the university in order to help those who qualify receive assistance with paying for courses. Their nurse aid course begins June 30 and lasts until August 3. Nurse aids are the people who give direct patient care to individuals who cannot provide care for themselves. The course has a classroom portion, with instruction and a practicum portion, where skills are applied. It allows students to gain the sufficient certification required by potential health care employers.

The cost of the class is $800 and includes the test, your books and anything else involved in the process, according to Ancilla’s Director of the Division of Nursing Ann Fitzgerald.

“We’ve partnered with WorkOne, both in Starke County and in Marshall County, and if they qualify they can go through WorkOne and they [WorkOne] will hopefully be able to pay for that student to come through the class. So that cost can be offset by WorkOne if people qualify. So if you’re interested contact Ancilla College and/or WorkOne,” stated Fitzgerald.

Ann Fitzgerald can be contacted through email at ann.fitzgerald@ancilla.edu or her telephone number 574-936-8898 ext. 379. The phone number for WorkOne in Starke County is 574-772-6882. The Marshall County WorkOne number is 574-936-8919.

See if you qualify for aid today in time for the June 30 nurse aid course. Set yourself up for success by gaining the proper training while still maintaining your finances.