Talking Talent

In this episode, you'll hear about Indiana's work ethic certification, and how it provides an opportunity for young people to attain crucial job and life skills. You'll hear how learning institutions are embracing this certificate, and the challenges and opportunities of this program. 

In this episode you'll discover the connection between early childhood education and the workforce pipeline. Discover the work that is being done to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. 

In this episode you'll learn about the READY Initiative, which supports the unique aspects of community, school, and student, and embraces a commitment to regional thinking and acting in order to ensure prosperity by meeting the skill and education needs of employers throughout Northwest Indiana. 

In this episode you'll learn about Midwest Urban Strategies, and their coordinated effort on behalf of 13 Department of Labor urban workforce development boards to marry traditional workforce development practices with economic development. 

In this episode you'll discover the efforts that are underway in the region to support training and build a talent pipeline in the manufacturing sector. Discover the key partnerships that help create success and how education, workforce and business professionals can work together to achieve the best results. 

Lisa Daugherty, Executive Director of the Lake Area United Way, joins the program to discuss the struggles of working families who often cannot afford basic items such as food, transportation and healthcare. Discover the initiatives that the Lake Area United Way are taking to help lift families out of poverty and provide them with the supports that they need to thrive.  

In this episode, you'll hear about the La Porte County SkillUp Network initiative, which provides collaboration around workforce challenges in the manufacturing sector to grow the current workforce and support skill attainment for job candidates with a gap in skills. Discover takeaways from the initiative and potential lessons for other industries and counties throughout the region. 

In this episode, you'll learn about 2 career and technical education initiatives that are underway in Indiana. Discover how students can "earn while they learn" and how young people can get a technical certification while getting their diploma, as well as the role of work-based learning. 

In this episode, you'll discover the work that Indiana INTERNnet is doing to connect students to employers, and the benefits of internships for both interns and employers. Discover the innovative efforts that are underway to help attract and retain top talent in Indiana. 

In this episode you'll learn about the Youth Employment Council in Northwest Indiana. Discover the importance of early work experiences for young people and the resources available for helping youth connect to employment. 

In this episode you'll discover best practices, as well as the challenges and opportunities for regional economic development planning in Northwest Indiana. Discover how to engage stakeholders and ensure implementation. 

Dr. Peggy Buffington, School City of Hobart superintendentIn this episode, you'll learn about the efforts underway for college and career readiness in Indiana. Your guests are Dr. Carmen Panlilio, the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Purdue University Northwest, and Dr. Peggy Buffington, School City of Hobart Superintendent. 

Blair Milo, Indiana's Secretary of Career Connections and Talent, joins the program to discuss the work that the state is doing to develop a talent pipeline and gives an overview of various educational and economic initiatives that exist in Indiana. 

Tamara Stump, Senior Workforce Associate at the Center for Workforce Innovations and George Douglas, Senior Vice President of Indiana Beverage join the program to discuss the Northwest Indiana Work Ethic certificate and the benefits of the initiative for both participants and employers.  

Kevin Comerford from the Construction Advancement Foundation discusses the trends and opportunities in the industry, including apprenticeships programs.