On Thursday afternoon, over 70 local employers, workforce leaders, and education partners gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium for Untapped, a panel and networking event designed to help local employers tackle their workforce challenges through proven work-based learning (WBL) strategies and apprenticeship-tailored solutions. Powered by EmployIndy and Ascend Indiana, the event featured panel discussions and breakout sessions designed to highlight real-world strategies tailored to the Indy region, empowering employers to confidently integrate work-based learning into their talent pipelines—and unlock the full potential of the next generation workforce. 

“We’re thrilled to help bring together our city’s workforce leaders in effort to network, learn and collaborate as we work to grow the work-based learning movement in our region,” says Marie Mackintosh, EmployIndy’s President + CEO. “We believe in the power of WBL and apprenticeships to not only help employers develop the next generation of talent but also shift their current workplace culture in new and valuable ways.” 

Talent experts from EmployIndy, Ascend Indiana, Indy Chamber, Aracamed, and the Indianapolis Airport Authority provided insights and guidance on topics like unlocking the power of WBL, launching and scaling WBL programs, preparing participants for success, integrating inclusivity, and more. 

As students face increasing challenges in preparing for meaningful and sustainable careers, and employers express concern about the lack of skilled and diverse workers who can meet their evolving demands, EmployIndy is working to connect youth with real-world work experiences that align with emerging economic trends to fill these gaps. Last year, 48,220 WBL and career-connected learning activities were facilitated or supported by EmployIndy, including 142 Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) youth apprentices at 12 Marion County high schools. Additionally, 599 employers delivered career exploration, engagement, and experience activities to Marion County K–12 and postsecondary students. 

What We Heard from Employers 

Throughout the event, several key themes emerged from our conversations with employers: 

• Start small, learn, try, learn again. 

• Hope is not a strategy. To stand out and fill talent gaps, you have to take initiative. 

• Intermediary partners can help growth, but internal champions and flexibility will make it stick. 

• WBL transforms teams from task managers into talent mentors. 

• Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with the right partners.  

What’s Next 

This conversation was just the beginning. Coming soon, we’ll host a series of small roundtable events focused on key topics such as legal considerations, student preparation, and managing WBL programs as they grow. 

And the momentum is strong—100% of employers who responded to our follow-up survey said they would recommend Untapped to others. We’re excited to continue the conversation and build on this energy at our next event. Please be on the lookout for future communications from EmployIndy about our next event. 

To get connected to WBL resources and learn how this talent strategy can take your organization to the next level, reach out to businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org. 

Having experienced recent struggles in both attracting and retaining their workforce, Project Indy employer AMC Indianapolis 17 partnered with Mayor Hogsett’s youth jobs initiative to host an in-person hiring event at the theater. With Project Indy’s support in organizing and promoting the event to young people, the theater was able to conduct interviews and make offers to promising candidates like Samm Cherry, 17, a recent early graduate from George Washington High School. 

“We had just had a period where we were struggling to get applicants to come in and even the people that were coming in weren't sticking around,” said Jacob Harrison, HR Manager at AMC Indianapolis 17. “Project Indy helped us get in front of candidates like Samm, and it was clear in her interview by her confidence and interaction that she had prior experience and training in the workplace.” 

In partnering with Project Indy to hire in-school and out-of-school youth throughout Marion County, local employers provide employability skill development and job-readiness training to our future workforce. They also benefit by creating a talent pipeline for their business or industry. 

Out of nearly 20 candidates that participated in interviews at the event, 6 were offered positions and hired at the theater, including Samm. She credits a paid internship at the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) as vital in helping her begin to develop customer service skills and learn how to navigate the professional world. But after having that internship cut short due to funding issues, she jumped at the chance to participate in the AMC hiring event.  

“It was nice to apply and have the chance to interview right away, as it cut out a lot of the anticipation of applying for jobs and then having to wait,” said Cherry. “My parents have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, so I made sure to come prepared with some questions for the interviewer.” 

With applications submitted to both Indiana University and the University of Illinois Springfield, her job at AMC has not only been important in giving her the opportunity to learn new practical skills like cashiering and cleaning but also has become a vital source of income as she saves for tuition and books. While aiming to pursue a degree in either business administration or business analytics, she’s glad to know that AMC’s transfer program will allow her to support herself in a new location if or when that time comes.   

Project Indy was launched in 2016 by Mayor Hogsett alongside EmployIndy, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), and the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY). Since its launch, Project Indy has empowered young adults in Marion County by providing work experiences that build their employability skills and allow them to explore new career fields. In 2024, over 1,575 young people in Indianapolis were connected to job opportunities through Project Indy. 

Youth interested in joining the Project Indy platform can get started by simply texting “ProjectIndy” to 317-659-9657 or visiting projectindy.net. 

At just 16 years old, Zytabreyious “Zy” Marshall, a student at Franklin Central High School, became the youngest person in Indiana history to earn his INDOT Certified Technician Program (CTP) certification—an achievement that set him apart in the construction industry before he even graduated high school.

His journey started in Spring 2024 at a career fair hosted at Franklin Central High School and facilitated by EmployIndy’s Talent Bound program, a program that connects students with work-based learning experiences and industry professionals. It was there that Zy met Jason Mann, Business Development Manager at Howard Companies. That single conversation led to an opportunity that would reshape Zy's future.

“I almost walked right past their booth,” Zy admitted. “But I stopped, introduced myself, and told them I wanted to work in road construction. That moment changed everything.”

Seeing Zy's interest and drive, Howard Companies brought him on as an intern, allowing him to gain hands-on experience and begin developing industry-recognized skills while still in high school.

From Student to Skilled Technician

Unlike a traditional high school job, Zy’s internship placed him in a materials testing lab, where he quickly learned the technical skills behind asphalt testing and quality control—a critical part of infrastructure development.

“It’s not easy work,” said Mann. “There’s a lot of technical knowledge involved, and it takes time to master. But Zy caught on quickly. When he went out to INDOT’s headquarters in Greenfield for testing, he passed everything on his first try. That’s rare, even for experienced professionals.”

Beyond technical skills, Zy’s internship gave him valuable experience in time management, problem-solving, and working in a professional environment—skills that will benefit him no matter where his career takes him. The experience also gave him clarity about his future. He hopes to return to Howard Companies in the immediate future to gain more experience and certifications with a goal of eventually starting his own business building residential homes.

“If you have a career path and an internship is available, take it,” Zy advises his fellow students. “It gives you experience, helps you decide if it’s right for you, and puts you ahead of the game.”

Howard Companies fully funded Zy’s training and certifications, covering all the associated costs. In just two to three weeks, he completed a preparation and testing process that typically takes months for seasoned technicians. In addition to earning his INDOT certification, Zy also completed the OSHA 30 certification, a nationally recognized credential in workplace safety. By gaining both certifications before finishing high school, Zy proved he was not only technically skilled but also prepared to meet the safety standards required in the industry.

With his INDOT and OSHA 30 certification in hand, Zy now has a significant competitive advantage, setting him apart from many of his peers. His success demonstrates the power of work-based learning—giving students an early start on their careers while helping them make informed decisions about their future.

For students wondering what to do next, Zy has a simple piece of advice: Start now. Explore internships, apprenticeships, and certification programs—even if you’re not completely sure what career you want. Hands-on experience and industry credentials help you figure out what interests you while also making you more employable.

Work-based Learning as a Benefit to Businesses

Zy’s experience also highlights how work-based learning not only benefits students, but also businesses, creating a win-win opportunity for workforce development. By providing structured work-based learning opportunities like internships, employers can identify promising young talent early, train them in real-world skills, and build a workforce pipeline that supports growth for their organization and industry.

“We don’t just put students to work,” said Mann. “We give them real industry experience that helps them decide if this is the right career for them. We’re investing in young talent, and in return, we’re building a stronger workforce for the future.”

To address the lack of skilled and diverse workers in our region, EmployIndy connects youth with real-world work experiences that align with emerging economic trends. During the 2023-2024 program year, EmployIndy facilitated or supported 48,220 work-based and career-connected learning activities for students in Marion County, with 599 employers engaged in delivering career exploration, engagement, and experience activities during that period.

To learn more about Talent Bound, and how both students and employers can get involved, visit www.talentbound.org.