Lawrence County launches free skills training

(photo courtesy of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council)

BEDFORD, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The Lawrence County Workforce Coalition has begun the first cohort of its Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills program. The coalition, which is an arm of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, says the three-week training course is designed for adult students to develop entry-level skills for regional careers.

The council says classes are being conducted at the North Lawrence Career Center. The training features programming for welding, construction trades and machining.

“This program is a culmination of discussions with employers and community stakeholders throughout the past three years,” said Lawrence County Economic Growth Council Director of Career Development Joe Timbrook. “We know there is a large population of residents in Lawrence County that, with some training, could fill the employment gaps we see with our high-demand jobs.”

The council says students will study employability competencies such as communication, workplace etiquette and social awareness, as well as learning concepts and overviews for career development skills.

“It’s important that students aren’t only equipped with the technical skills needed for these careers, but the soft skills required to be successful in the future,” said Heather Nash, LCEGC programming director.

At the end of the course, the council says students will earn a certificate of completion, and it hopes students complete the training with one or more local interviews.