When Plastic Recycling Inc. began experiencing high employee turnover, company leaders realized they needed to take a deeper look at how they attracted, developed, and sustained their workforce.
For Chad Smith, chief personnel officer at Plastic Recycling Inc., the goal wasn’t simply to fill open positions. He wanted to understand where the company’s employees came from, identify new sources of talent, and build a stronger workforce for the future.“I made it my goal to understand what our workforce was made out of and where we were getting our talent from,” said Smith. “EmployIndy was the place to go to help me work my way through that process.”
Through EmployIndy’s Talent Bound initiative, Plastic Recycling Inc. discovered that workforce development begins long before someone applies for a job. By investing in career awareness and industry exposure at an early age, the company found a new way to help shape its future workforce while strengthening connections to the community.
Talent Bound helps employers build tomorrow’s workforce by connecting them with schools to deliver meaningful career-connected learning experiences. Students gain exposure to careers, build workplace awareness, and begin connecting classroom learning to future opportunities. Employers, in turn, increase awareness of their industry, strengthen relationships with local schools, and help inspire the next generation of talent.
One of those opportunities came when Talent Bound connected Plastic Recycling Inc. with a teacher at William McKinley Elementary School 39. The partnership resulted in a hands-on industry tour that introduced 58 students—along with teachers and chaperones—to the company’s operations.
During the visit, students toured the facility, learned about careers in recycling and manufacturing, participated in hands-on problem-solving activities, and gained firsthand exposure to how businesses operate. For many students, it was their first opportunity to see a manufacturing workplace up close. The experience helped students connect classroom learning to real-world applications while introducing them to career opportunities they may not have previously considered.
For employers like Plastic Recycling Inc., work-based learning is an investment in future talent. It builds awareness of careers and industries, strengthens relationships with schools, and gives employers an opportunity to influence how young people understand work long before they’re making career decisions.
As Indiana’s workforce continues to evolve, employers are finding that recruiting alone isn’t enough. Building tomorrow’s workforce starts long before someone submits an application. Through work-based learning, employers can introduce students to careers, develop early interest in their industries, and help prepare future employees with the skills and experiences workplaces value.
“The earlier students can engage with employers and explore career possibilities, the better prepared they are to navigate their futures,” said Matt Simpson, senior manager of K-12 partnership success at EmployIndy. “Work-based learning transforms career awareness into career readiness by providing hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.”
Talent Bound is one way EmployIndy is helping connect education and industry across Marion County. During program year 2024-25, EmployIndy facilitated 38,486 career-connected learning opportunities through career exploration, career engagement, and work-based learning experiences.
For Plastic Recycling Inc., the partnership demonstrated that workforce development begins long before hiring or even recruiting. By opening its doors to students, the company raised awareness of its industry, strengthened community connections and contributed to a stronger local workforce ecosystem.
“Our partnership with EmployIndy is built on mutual trust, shared purpose and a commitment to helping each other succeed,” said Smith. “They understand the workforce development landscape in Indianapolis, and they’re a true connector who helps make ideas come to life.”
As EmployIndy continues connecting classrooms and careers through Talent Bound, employers like Plastic Recycling Inc. are helping build a workforce that is more informed, better prepared, and more connected to the needs of Marion County’s employers.
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