INDIANAPOLIS, IN – September 26, 2017 – YouthBuild Indy is currently seeking 17-24 year-olds who want to reconnect to work and education during their Fall program. With oversight from EmployIndy, Marion County’s workforce development board, YouthBuild offers participants opportunities to earn their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma (formerly GED) while also learning life and career skills for their future. Participants earn money while working and have opportunities to earn certificates in various fields:

• General Construction
• Welding Tech
• HVAC Apartment Tech
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Logistics Associate

The program lasts 6-9 months and has an 81% graduation/certificate rate. It is open to Marion County residents age 17-24 who do not have a high school diploma and meet certain income requirements.

For many, it has been a transformative experience to truly turn their life around, including 2016 graduate Brianna Ingram. Brianna enrolled in YouthBuild looking for stability and a chance to control her own future. In Brianna’s words, “YouthBuild Indy gave me a second chance when I didn’t get to pick my first chance.” Since participating, she has earned her HSE, found full-time work in software technology, and earned a scholarship to Ivy Tech for software development. But perhaps most importantly, she recently bought her own car with her own money. “If I am ever in the position, I would invest personally in YouthBuild,” she adds.

There are only 35 spots available, and applications are due by October 6th, 2017. Visit youthbuildindy.org to get started, or contact at 317.602.3260 or info@nullyouthbuildindy.org.

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About EmployIndy
EmployIndy guides the local workforce ecosystem and makes strategic investments to remove barriers to quality employment for underserved and underrepresented residents. As the workforce development board for Marion County, guided by 21 business, civic, education and non-profit community leaders, EmployIndy invests $17 million in public, private and philanthropic funds for both youth and adults annually.

For More Information:
Joe Backe
317.713.7601
jbacke@nullemployindy.org

Christian's Story

Christian was enjoying her time as a pharmacy technician but wanted to pursue a medical profession where she had the opportunity to interact one-on-one with patients. Because of this, she always dreamed of becoming a registered nurse (RN) and was approaching a point in her life where she was ready to start taking steps to reach her goal. However, before any growth could occur, it was necessary for Christian to further her education, gain patient exposure, and go through the job search process.

First, she tried applying for positions where she could connect with patients and simply gain exposure within a hospital to improve her resume. However, without connections, education, or a background filled with patient experience, she was not able to obtain further employment.

“The Employ Up coaches checked in with me. I had a good support system and knew I could count on their support throughout my job search.”

Through a stroke of luck, Christian was connected with EmployIndy and introduced to Employ Up, a service center dedicated to helping job seekers reach the next step in their career. With their help, she created and improved her LinkedIn profile, updated her resume, and received both professional and emotional support.

After these skills were attained, the next step was furthering her education, and with the financial help of Employ Up, she was able to obtain funds for nursing school and improve her resume through connections established by EmployIndy by obtaining a hospital support staff position. Today, Christian has earned a BSN/RN and is furthering her career as a surgical ICU nurse.

Sharpen was looking to hire hardworking, skillful, and qualified employees. Although they had many applicants, as a small business, they didn’t want to take risks with anyone who did not have the experience they requested. Initially, Emily Wolfington, Director of HR at Sharpen, reached out to Eleven Fifty in hopes of finding the talent they needed to confidently secure positions within their company. Unfortunately, the candidates they interviewed did not have the skills they desired.

While Emily was searching for future employees, she was connected with Brent Shopp. Brent was the Director of Career Services for Eleven Fifty and recommended Emily reach out to EmployIndy for business assistance with hiring qualified candidates. After researching EmployIndy, Emily said, “It was too good to be true,” and then she connected with the Business Partnerships team.IN EMILY'S WORDS

IN EMILY'S WORDS:

“I had a chance to meet with an EmployIndy recruiter and knew this would definitely be an initiative that would add tremendous value to us as the employer, and to potential employees.”

Through the Business Partnerships team, Emily was shocked at the simplicity of the process and the flexibility of the recruiters. Shortly after she reached out, she was connected with qualified applicants who met Sharpen’s talent requirements.

Since the meeting with EmployIndy, Sharpen has hired one person and has several currently going through the hiring process. They have also become more open to candidates whom they may not have initially considered because of the success they have seen through utilizing the EmployIndy program.