Vincennes University offering free job training

VINCENNES, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Vincennes University is responding to the state’s expansion of the Next Level Jobs program. To provide students with greater choices, the university says it has added nearly 50 new certificates to the current list of eligible programs.

The Workforce Ready Grant’s new certificate programs include Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, CNC Machining, Truck Driver Training, Industrial Maintenance and Robotics, and Dental Assistant short-term training programs.

“Regardless of where you are in the state, VU should have a location near you that offers some type of training that you can potentially be able to tap into,” said Evan Sievers, Vincennes University’s Next Level Jobs representative.

The university says the program can help individuals gain skills needed for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and building and construction, among others. VU says the grant program has also been expanded to temporarily include Indiana residents with two- and four-year degrees.

“Expanding the Next Level Jobs program will give thousands of additional Hoosiers the opportunity to gain the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “Investing in these proven programs with our federal dollars will ensure Hoosiers across our state can recover quickly from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 and secure quality jobs.”

The university says individuals who have completed a certificate program have seen an average wage increase of $6,400 a year.

VU says eligible state residents who pursue certificates with the university will have full tuition costs covered by the Next Levels Jobs grant, and increased funding is also available to students seeking non-credit bearing training with VU.