Innovative Modern Apprenticeship Program Grows, Offering Local Businesses a New Way to Build Talent Pipelines

Indianapolis, IN – October 15, 2024 – With talent shortages continuing to challenge businesses across Central Indiana, a growing number of employers are turning to the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) as a strategic solution to close the skills gap while developing a workforce prepared to meet future demands.

The EmployIndy program pairs high school students with local employers, providing hands-on work experience while students earn experience and industry credentials. As the demand for skilled labor rises, MAP is helping employers take a proactive role in developing young talent before they even enter the job market.

Today, EmployIndy hosted a workshop for community employers at Tinker House Events to discuss how MAP can meet their workforce needs. The event featured panel discussions and small group sessions, showcasing success stories and providing practical steps for getting involved in the program.

“Employers are not just hiring for today’s roles. Through MAP, they’re building a workforce for the future,” says Marie Mackintosh, President & CEO of EmployIndy. “Employers have the unique opportunity to shape and grow the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring they are building the skills for long-term career success.”

Employers like the Indianapolis Airport Authority, OneAmerica Financial, and Plastic Recycling Inc. are already seeing results from their participation in MAP. Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, emphasizes the program’s value: “It’s a no-brainer. This program is what everybody has been asking for.”

Local Economy Impact

As more industries face staffing shortages, particularly in high-growth, in-demand fields like Information Technology, Business Operations, Finance, and Advanced Manufacturing, the MAP model is becoming an essential tool for Indianapolis businesses to remain competitive. The program not only helps fill immediate roles but also ensures that employers can cultivate future talent pipelines—an investment that benefits both employers and the local economy.

According to the National Skills Coalition, industries across the state are experiencing a growing skills gap, especially as older workers retire. The combination of a growing skills gap and low labor force participation will continue to be a critical challenge to growing Indiana’s economy. Programs like MAP provide a solution by giving high school students practical experience, preparing them to step into skilled positions immediately upon graduation.

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with one of our featured employers or apprentices, please contact Sam Hanes at shanes@nullemployindy.org.

INDIANAPOLIS – June 29, 2024 – EmployIndy proudly recognized 17 modern youth apprentices who are part of the first graduating cohort of the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) as well as introduced a new fourth cohort of apprentices and employers participating in the program at the 2024 Modern Apprenticeship Signing Day event. 

MAP, a three-year program, connects Marion County high school students with local employers, providing a path toward discovering passions and developing skills to help them thrive in growing and in-demand industries including healthcare, information technology, education, business operations, financial services, and more. 

During their time in the program, each graduating apprentice from the first cohort earned their high school diploma, an hourly income from their employer, college credits, industry certifications and credentials, and first-hand, relevant job experience—multiplying their options after graduation. The new fourth cohort of 17 apprentices, selected from over 250 applicants, will begin the program in their junior year of high school, splitting their time between the classroom and the workplace. 

“The Modern Apprenticeship Program is unique in its ability to provide students with hands-on job experience and an opportunity to earn money, college credit, and professional connections,” says Marie Mackintosh, President + CEO of EmployIndy. “Our first graduating cohort is a diverse group of young people who have wonderfully modeled the path forward and we’re excited to see our newest cohort follow their example.” 

As a talent strategy and the highest-caliber experience offered through Talent Bound, EmployIndy’s career-connected learning continuum, MAP helps employers tap into diverse talent pools—building strong talent pipelines to meet both short- and long-term staffing needs. The program creates a structure for employers and educators to be part of workforce solutions while removing barriers, so all Marion County students have equitable access to career-ready training and jobs in high-demand fields. 

“As educators, we work hard to provide life-changing education and opportunities,” said Dr. Rebecca Daugherty-Saunders, Director of College and Career Readiness for the MSD of Wayne Township. “Through MAP, we’ve seen students draw real connections between their high school coursework, postsecondary credentials, and work experience, helping them to shape their career path and future.” 

The event also provided several graduating apprentices with an opportunity to share their experiences and encourage the incoming cohort. Having gained valuable insights and industry experience during their time in the program, these apprentices can confidently move forward in navigating the next step in their career path. 

“I think MAP did a lot to build my confidence, independence, and problem-solving abilities,” said Nicholas Graves, a third year graduating apprentice serving as a Staff Accountant at the Indy Chamber. “It has solidified my professional goals and provided a strong foundation that directly applies to my career in accounting.” 

The Modern Apprenticeship Signing Day event, taking place annually, marks the beginning of the apprentice-employer journey as the students sign a formal certificate of acceptance for their positions. As part of this commitment, the employer will mentor and support the student as they navigate an in-demand role within their respective organization. During the 3-year experience, EmployIndy, Marion County’s workforce development board, actively supports apprentices, employers, and general programmatic outcomes for Modern Apprenticeship. 

To learn more about Modern Apprenticeship (MAP), visit www.indymodernapprenticeship.com. 

INDIANAPOLIS – May 9, 2024 – This morning, Mayor Joe Hogsett, the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, EmployIndy, and over 50 local employers gathered at the 23rd Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards to recognize organizations who demonstrate inclusivity in the workplace and are dedicated to supporting diverse individuals and continuing progress in our community. This year’s event took place in-person at the Culinary and Conference Center at Ivy Tech Community College, with over 400 in attendance to hear local leaders share their experiences and best practices for progressing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.  

This event places a special emphasis on the importance of supporting youth employment in Marion County as proceeds go to support Project Indy, an initiative developed by Mayor Joe Hogsett in 2016 and housed within EmployIndy. Through Project Indy’s virtual platform that utilizes text messaging to recruit and onboard job seekers, nearly 18,000 young adults in Marion County have been connected to work experiences that build their employability skills and allow them to explore new career fields. 

“My congratulations to all of this year's Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Award winners,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “We extend this recognition each year because diversity is one of our city’s greatest strengths – and embracing that diversity, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to participate in our growth and success, benefits our whole community.” 

A new award was added to this year’s event; the Excellence in Service Community-Based Organization (CBO) Award. This award celebrates a non-profit community-based organization that provides excellent and inclusive workforce development services to Marion County residents and employers. 

In total, seven awards were given at this year’s event with unique focuses including celebrating the quality of services delivered by community-based organizations, impact of youth apprenticeships, good wages and employee support, excelling in youth employment, diversity in leadership, and a focus on workplace culture. 

“EmployIndy is excited to partner with Mayor Hogsett and the City of Indianapolis to recognize organizations who have proven their commitment to equitable practices in hiring, leadership, quality jobs, culture, and service delivery,” said Marie Mackintosh, president & CEO of EmployIndy. “This year’s new award for Community-Based Organizations aligns with our strategic focus on building capacity among our ecosystem partners to ensure quality career coaching and employment services are delivered across Marion County.” 

Award recipients at this year’s event are as follows: 

“Excellence in Service Community-Based Organization (CBO) Award” was awarded to Keys2Work for their provision of excellent and inclusive workforce development services to Marion County residents and employers. 

“Dr. Mechelle Polter Youth Apprenticeship Employer of the Year” was awarded to Indianapolis Airport Authority for their dedication to providing high school students with a positive trajectory to actively pursue a career by providing valuable, paid apprenticeship opportunities that complement their traditional coursework. 

“Choice Employer” was awarded to Citizens Energy Group for offering all full-time employees a good wage of $18 an hour and benefits and embodies the traits of a “Choice Employer,” by creating a work environment that focuses on supporting Career Pathways, Culture and Diversity, and Employee Resources. 

“Excellence in Youth Employment” was awarded to Arcamed LLC for their commitment to offering youth and young adults in Indianapolis an opportunity for their first job and embraces a culture that promotes the personal growth of those individuals through mentoring and advancement. 

“Diversity in Workforce” was awarded to O’Neal Manufacturing Services who, in the past year, successfully implemented best practices to support workforce diversity.  

“Diversity in Leadership” was awarded to Morales Group Staffing who cultivates an atmosphere of growth, particularly when considering upper-level diversity as well as actively supporting a diverse organizational culture. 

“Sam H. Jones ‘Best of the Best’” was awarded to Indy Equity Collaborative for exemplary performance in all aspects of diversity. 

Individuals who are interested in supporting youth employment in Marion County through Project Indy can donate online at www.employindy.org/mcod-donate. More information about Project Indy can be found at projectindy.net.