September is Workforce Development Month and EmployIndy is leading the way in building employer-driven workforce solutions. By engaging businesses at every step, EmployIndy ensures training matches real industry needs, reducing hiring gaps and boosting local economic growth. Across the Midwest Urban Strategies network, industry-driven strategies are at the heart of workforce success. By partnering with Howard Companies, a leader in asphalt paving and maintenance since 1960, we're supporting training that leads directly to high-wage jobs in the construction sector.

Howard Companies knows that competitive wages and a strong company culture are key to retaining talent. With support from Next Level Jobs (NLJ) 7.0 funding, administered by EmployIndy, the company trained general laborers on heavy machinery during the off-season — a time when many would typically face layoffs due to weather. This proactive approach boosted morale, improved retention, and helped workers build skills and certifications that support long-term career growth. 

“Our partnership with EmployIndy has been critical for us as we grow our workforce and improve our company culture,” said Andy Robison, General Manager at Howard Companies. “They’re committed to building strong local talent pipelines that benefit our businesses and our community.” 

In addition to NLJ funding, Howard Companies also earned certification as a Good Wages Initiative employer, committing to pay full-time employees at least $18/hour and provide access to health insurance. Through weekly hiring events at WorkOne Indy, the company continues to connect directly with job seekers to fill high-demand roles. 

In 2024, 1,233 unique businesses partnered with EmployIndy to strengthen their workforce strategies — from talent attraction and retention to leveraging labor market insights.  

Interested in building your workforce with industry-driven solutions? Contact our team at businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org. 

On Wednesday, August 20, EmployIndy and Indy Achieves hosted the 2025 Indy Achieves Leadership Summit, welcoming 50 postsecondary students from IU Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College. Attendees engaged with local professionals, received resume and interview support, explored local internship opportunities, and attended workshops focused on personal finance, mental health, pursuing a graduate degree, and building a career within the healthcare industry. 

A highlight of the event was a visit from Mayor Joe Hogsett, who spoke about Indianapolis’s growing job market and the city’s commitment to expanding career opportunities and earning potential for young professionals. 

Indy Achieves, launched by Mayor Hogsett in 2018 and housed at EmployIndy, aims to close the city’s skills gap by increasing the number of residents with high-quality credentials to 65% by 2027. The initiative also works to eliminate attainment gaps for minority students by promoting access to financial aid, offering Promise Scholarships and Completion Grants, and providing wraparound support services for Marion County students. 

“Indy Achieves exists because we know that talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t,” said Marie Mackintosh, president and CEO of EmployIndy. “That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers, investing in student success, and making sure every Indianapolis resident has the chance to earn a credential, complete a degree, and pursue a career that leads to economic prosperity.” 

In 2024, 2,224 Indy Achieves Scholars received coaching and support, with an estimated annual economic impact of $11.8 million upon successful postsecondary completion. A feature of the initiative, the student success coaching model has boosted postsecondary retention by up to 13% compared to peers. 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.indyachieves.org. 

With a competitive local job market in Central Indiana, particularly in sectors requiring specialized skills, both job seekers and businesses often face challenges in finding the right match. EmployIndy’s Talent Connection bridges that gap by matching qualified candidates with roles that align with their skills and career goals, while helping businesses fill critical positions with job-ready talent.  We’re excited to share that we’ve surpassed the milestone of 1,000 candidates connected to good and promising jobs. With an average salary of $63,781, these placements align with EmployIndy’s goal of supporting businesses as they invest in job quality and wage equity practices to provide high-quality experiences for their workers to prosper. 

For job seekers like Bryan T., our Talent Connection team’s tenacious, consistent communication and follow-ups were key in helping him get connected. A military veteran with a highly skilled and specialized background, Bryan lacked connections and an established network in Central Indiana, making his employment search a challenge. “I was working with several job search assistance programs with no luck before being referred to EmployIndy,” said Bryan. “I was more than a piece of paper or number and I’m sincerely thankful for their support and guidance.” Through EmployIndy Talent Connection, Bryan was connected to Knowledge Services where he’s now a Senior Information Systems Security Officer. Bryan’s journey is one of many that demonstrate how personalized support and employer partnerships can transform lives—and strengthen our local workforce. 

While job seekers benefit from personalized support, EmployIndy Talent Connection also delivers measurable value to employers. In the past year alone, 1,233 unique businesses partnered with EmployIndy to strengthen their workforce strategies—from talent attraction and retention to leveraging labor market insights. 

“EmployIndy has helped ensure that our programming remains aligned with broader workforce strategies and that it provides meaningful opportunities in healthcare for young talent in Marion County,” said Claudia W. Montes Salinas, Senior Project Manager at IU Health. “With their help, we’re inspiring the next generation of professionals.” Through IU Health’s Mosaic Center, they have had a strong and consistent partnership with EmployIndy, resulting in better outcomes for their clients and our city’s residents. 

Job Seekers: Ready to find a job that fits your skills and goals? Learn more and get started today at www.employindy.org/talent-connection.   

Employers: Interested in connecting with qualified local talent? Reach out to our team at businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org.