DWD Leading Project In Indiana To Upskill Essential Workers

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), in partnership with the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, is seeking input from essential workers and employers about worker skillsets and training opportunities.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support the skill advancement of Hoosiers, DWD is launching a Technical Assistance opportunity led by the National Skills Coalition in Washington, D.C.

The year-long project is focused on helping states think creatively about what types of administrative or other policy changes can help support the upskilling and equitable service to more essential workers, particularly those working in frontline jobs for small businesses.

Here’s a brief list of the areas to be reviewed, in collaboration with Hoosier businesses, to advance our efforts in Indiana:

• Definition of an essential worker. What does this mean to Indiana?
• Technical Assistance, leading to the development of a business-friendly Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Incumbent Worker Training Policy
• Technical Assistance, leading to the development of a business friendly WIOA Layoff Aversion Policy
• Review of current workforce policies to ensure we haven’t unintentionally prohibited support for these targeted workers
• How do we assess the overall impact of addressing the upskilling needs of Essential Workers early to prevent high rates of unemployment and supportive services later?

DWD will facilitate two virtual focus groups lasting one hour each through Zoom, one with employers and another with employees. Focus group participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you. Answers will not be discussed with employers or employees, participant names will not be used in any reports, and we will not ask for any sensitive information. Focus groups will be conducted at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 9th and 10th.

Participants must be at least 24 years old and must be able to use an internet-capable device to access a Zoom meeting. Sign up at this link:  http://s.alchemer.com/s3/Indiana-Form

About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development

DWD serves the worker and the employer to ensure workplace success. DWD is committed to innovating and invigorating Indiana’s economic future by providing WorkOne Career Centers, Unemployment Insurance, Labor Market Information, Regional Workforce Strategies and Professional Training. Through these services, DWD is able to develop a premier workforce that enables Indiana employers to flourish and entices businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana.

About the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association

The Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association represents hotel and restaurant properties as well as industry-related service companies across the state. It is these members that help make the hospitality industry, the nation’s largest private sector employer, and one of the state’s most politically active and public service-oriented industries. Our members are the cornerstone of the Indiana community and the backbone of our state’s economy. Visit www.inrla.org for more information.