Ivy Tech Lafayette Partners With In-Mac To Create Industrial Career Academy

Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette will play a major role in the education and workforce development of high school students in Montgomery and Boone counties through the new Industrial Career Academy (I.C.A.), announced Ivy Tech Lafayette Chancellor Aaron Baute. Ivy Tech partnered with Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) to bring together key stakeholders and educators to connect high school students with industry and post-secondary opportunities by creating a high school-to-career pathway system.

Lisa Deck, IN-MaC’s Program Manager Education Workforce, said that providing students with a supervised training plan at each partnering industry will give them the foundational skills to understand a manufacturing career fully. “We aim to increase the hands-on experience while focusing on the academic, technical, and durable skills needed for a successful future,” Deck said.

Ivy Tech has joined West Central Indiana Career & Technical Education, Lakeside Book Company, and Pace Dairy Foods to create solutions to connect the next generation of the workforce with jobs and degrees in their communities.

“Ivy Tech is pleased to work with our partners in creating this career academy,” said Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette Chancellor Aaron Baute. “We are proud to help power the workforce development initiatives in Montgomery County.”

This partnership is designed to begin in Fall 2023 with Crawfordsville, North Montgomery, Southmont, and Western Boone school corporations. Students will participate in a two-year program that offers a Next Level Jobs program of study in Industrial Maintenance to prepare students to complete the Industrial Electrical Certificate. Students will earn both high school and college credit through Ivy Tech’s dual credit and dual enrollment courses.

“We know that maintenance technicians are in high demand with our area employers,” said Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton. “We are excited that Ivy Tech is creating a Career Academy in Crawfordsville to prepare residents for careers that will meet the need of employers, while providing a high quality, well-paying career for those completing the program.”

The I.C.A. will provide students with a unique educational experience that not only utilizes hands-on learning, but will also provide students with on-the-job training. During the first three semesters of the program, students have an integrated classroom and industry training experience. Students will participate in paid internships during their final semester of the program. Ivy Tech is excited to collaborate with local schools and industry to create a workforce solution and greater visibility to the area’s student career options and pathways.

“This partnership with Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette and IN-MaC is a valuable opportunity for West Central Indiana CTE students to gain hands-on experience and foundational skills for a successful future in manufacturing careers,” said West Central Indiana CTE Director Sara Nicodemus. “We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative to connect high school students with industry and post-secondary opportunities, and excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Any family within the Crawfordsville, North Montgomery, Southmont, and Western Boone school corporations wanting to learn more about this opportunity should contact Sara Nicodemus at [email protected].

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.

About IN-MaC

IN-MaC provides programs and services to enhance the talents and capabilities of Indiana’s present and future workforce by facilitating connections between educators and industry to catalyze the formation of near-term and long-term skills in a highly accessible manner across Indiana. IN-MaC supports a variety of STEM-type, skilled trades, degree (associates and undergraduate) and certificate programs. IN-MaC leverages its resources, networks and partnerships with industry, local communities, educators and interested stakeholders to provide a variety of formal courses and informal activities that embolden pathways to meet the talent needs of the present and future manufacturing workforce.