Northeast Indiana Works has hired an apprenticeship coordinator to help develop apprenticeships and other work experience programs across all industries.
The coordinator, Liz Burkhead, is a former WorkOne Northeast employment and training advisor who has also worked in the insurance and commercial real estate industries.
Northeast Indiana Works is a registered apprenticeship intermediary and Burkhead’s primary focus will be on helping school districts and companies develop registered apprenticeships. She will also be exploring the development of other kinds of work-based learning opportunities.
“I love the idea of helping to develop and promote talent,” said Burkhead. “Everyone has something special they can offer if given the chance and the hands-on learning that apprenticeships offer widens the ability for a person to showcase their talents.”
One industry Burkhead will give particular attention to is healthcare. An Explore, Engage and Experience (3E) grant secured by the Region 8 Education Service Center provides money for a Northeast Indiana Works-led career healthcare awareness campaign, as well as Burkhead’s efforts to enhance work-based learning opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Northeast Indiana Works has and will continue to help develop work-based learning opportunities in manufacturing, which is the region’s largest-employing industry. Healthcare is northeast Indiana’s second largest-employing industry.
Presently, Northeast Indiana Works is also in discussions with a local school district to develop teacher apprenticeships.
Work experience while a young person is still in school can lead to certifications and give them a leg up on securing employment. It can also, over time, assist participating employers grow their workforces.