Steuben County to open a manufacturing academy

ANGOLA, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Steuben County high school students and adults looking to grow their skill set have a new opportunity that could lead to careers in manufacturing.

The Steuben County Economic Development Corp. has launched a manufacturing academy designed to provide a foundation of basic knowledge and skills in manufacturing.

The SCEDC says manufacturing accounts for 35% of jobs in the county. The sector also represents a large portion of workers who approaching retirement.

“The SCEDC is excited to continue our mission to increase awareness and better align those high school students and area adults interested in manufacturing careers with a pathway to get to their destination,” said Isaac Lee, executive director of the SCEDC.

The academy has received two grants totaling more than $130,000 to help start the academy, including gifts from the 80/20 Foundation Trust and the Dekko Foundation.

“Our foundation’s focus is to bolster manufacturing and entrepreneurship in the region and this initiative is a prime example of one strategy that addresses the skilled workforce gap in our communities,” said Laura Macknick, executive director for 80/20 Foundation.

The academy will consist of both classroom and hands-on skill training experiences.

The first cohort of adults will start in June 2021. The first cohort of high school students will start with the fall semester in 2021.

Click here to learn more about the academy.