In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the success of a region depends on how well its systems—workforce development, education, economic growth, and community services—work together. At EmployIndy, this isn’t just a vision; it’s a strategy in action. 

As Indianapolis’ workforce development board, EmployIndy plays a pivotal role in aligning resources and partners to ensure job seekers receive the right support at the right time, and employers access the talent they need without unnecessary delays or duplication. Through cross-sector collaboration, policy advocacy, and innovative programming, EmployIndy builds an integrated system that maximizes resources and streamlines service delivery. 

Here’s how we’re making it happen: 

1. Bridging Classrooms and Careers

EmployIndy is transforming how young people prepare for the workforce by embedding career-connected learning into the K–12 experience. Through initiatives like Talent Bound and the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP), students gain hands-on experience in high-demand industries such as healthcare, business operations, and advanced manufacturing. 

• Over 599 employers and 142 youth apprentices from 12 high schools are engaged in career-connected learning within these programs. 

• IPS student participation in work-based learning has increased by 600%. 

As part of the Accelerate ED initiative, EmployIndy helped launch pathway blueprints for both Cybersecurity and BioPharma that allow students to earn dual credits and industry-recognized certifications starting in 9th grade—setting them on a fast track to high-wage careers. 

2. Removing Barriers to Success

EmployIndy understands that career readiness goes beyond skills—it’s also about support. That’s why we’ve built a robust coaching and training infrastructure. Last year, 10,923 clients and participants enrolled in EmployIndy programs and initiatives to receive career coaching, training, and wraparound services. 

Indy Achieves, in partnership with IU Indianapolis, removes financial barriers to postsecondary education by promoting access to financial aid, offering Promise Scholarships and Completion Grants, and providing wraparound support services for Marion County students.  

• In 2024 alone, it supported 2,224 scholars, generating an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefit. 

The YES Indy network, in partnership with community-based organizations (CBO) across the city, offers job readiness training in tandem with barrier-busting supports like childcare and transportation.  

• Last year, YES Indy helped participants earn 275 certifications in high-demand fields. 

3. Matching People to Opportunity

EmployIndy’s Talent Connection initiatives, including WorkOne Indy, streamline how job seekers and employers connect—delivering efficient, targeted engagement. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and employer-driven programming, these efforts help reduce barriers to employment and accelerate hiring timelines. 

• 3,309 individuals were placed in good or promising jobs in 2024. 

• Last year, weekly hiring events at WorkOne Indy attracted 14,559 job seekers and connected them with 259 unique employers. 

By maximizing efficiency in the hiring process, EmployIndy’s Talent Connection efforts not only offer real-time access to opportunities across a wide range of industries but also help businesses fill roles more quickly with qualified candidates—creating a more agile and responsive labor market in Marion County. 

4. Building a Better Future

EmployIndy doesn’t just work within the system—we help improve it. As a lead partner in the New Skills Ready Network (NSRN), we are helping to form new partnerships between local school systems, higher education, employers, and government entities to develop pathways and policy recommendations that give underserved students access to higher education and real-world work experiences that lead to high-wage, in-demand jobs. 

• We’ve collaborated with IU Indianapolis and IPS to create a Seamless Admission process for students with a 3.0 GPA—eliminating application fees and paperwork. 

• We’ve influenced key legislation, including: 

• HB 1243: A new diploma focused on career readiness. 

• SB 8: Flexible postsecondary pathways. 

• HB 1001: Streamlined career scholarship and coaching grants. 

• We’ve developed a Career Advising Framework now used statewide to guide career coaching in schools. 

5. Raising the Bar on Job Quality

Through the Good Wages Initiative (GWI), EmployIndy is working with Marion County employers to elevate job quality standards and strengthen the regional economy. This certification program recognizes businesses that pay a minimum of $18/hour and provide access to health insurance for full-time employees—two key indicators of sustainable employment. 

•  To date, 128 employers have been certified for paying at least $18/hour and offering health benefits. 

• This has resulted in $5.81 million in increased wages, improving retention and economic mobility for workers.  

By raising wages and expanding benefits, the Good Wages Initiative fosters a resilient, inclusive labor market that benefits workers, employers, and the broader community. 

The Power of Partnership: A Model for Modern Workforce Development 

At the heart of EmployIndy’s success is its role as a strategic convener. By bringing together K–12 schools, higher education institutions, employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations, EmployIndy ensures that systems are aligned, and resources are maximized. This collaborative approach creates a seamless pipeline from education to employment—one that’s responsive to both individual needs and regional economic demands. 

This integrated approach reflects EmployIndy's commitment to building a coordinated network that reduces duplication, accelerates access to opportunity, and delivers measurable outcomes for individuals and employers alike. 

Interested in getting involved? Reach out to businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org to get connected.  

Worker mobility is more than just transitioning from one job to another—it’s about empowering individuals to climb career ladders that lead to greater skills, earnings, and long-term stability, ultimately driving business success. At EmployIndy, this mission comes to life through employer partnerships, career coaching, and training that builds transferable skills and connects job seekers to meaningful opportunities. 

By aligning career pathways and training within high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, we help workers move from entry-level positions into sustainable, high-wage careers. For father of two, RaeSean Franklin, his time in YES Indy’s Advanced Manufacturing Training program helped kickstart his career journey that’s seen him move from the manufacturing floor at Fastenal to obtaining his CDL license and becoming a long-haul trucker with First Team Trucking.  

Employer Partnerships Power Career Advancement 

EmployIndy’s employer partnerships are designed to meet business needs while advancing employee potential. And when employers invest in career mobility, they gain access to motivated individuals who are ready to grow. By collaborating with local companies, we help employers:  

• Fill open roles with trained, enthusiastic candidates  

• Create internal career ladders to retain and grow talent  

• Align workforce development with industry-specific skills and certifications 

“RaeSean was exactly what we were looking for in our new candidates,” said Jake Sisk, EHS & Sustainability Manager at Fastenal. “He came with enthusiasm, asked a lot of questions, and became a really valuable team member both on the floor and in our manufacturing hub.”  

For the employer, collaboration with EmployIndy improves their talent pipelines, connecting them to eager candidates, like RaeSean, who have developed important skills and earned certifications that make them valuable team members. In 2024, 1,233 unique businesses partnered with EmployIndy to strengthen their workforce strategies — from talent attraction and retention to leveraging labor market insights. 

From the Manufacturing Floor to Discovering His Passion for Trucking 

“I love it. It's awesome and I really like the adventure of being on the road and going to states I've never been to before,” said RaeSean Franklin. “I’m thankful for the way my career is panning out. I have my advanced manufacturing certification and that’s something I’ll hold on to, even though I really like what I'm doing now.”  

Having originally been connected to Fastenal through their partnership with EmployIndy, RaeSean started on their production floor where he spent two years gaining skills and experience. When the opportunity arose, he transitioned to their manufacturing hub where he began driving a truck. It was here that he first began enjoying his time behind the wheel and decided to pursue obtaining his CDL. He’s since joined First Team Trucking as a full-time driver. 

Beyond enjoying his work and learning transferable skills, both his time at Fastenal and as a truck driver helped him increase his earnings, allowing him to better provide for his two daughters. “My daughters are just spoiled now,” laughed RaeSean. “My career has done so much for us, beyond just having our basic needs, but actually also getting the things that we want.” Looking to the future, RaeSean says he wants to eventually own his own trucking company, with a focus on helping justice-involved individuals like himself get connected to meaningful career opportunities in the trucking industry.  

Let’s Build Your Workforce Together 

Employers who partner with EmployIndy gain access to a pool of trained, motivated talent and support in building internal career pathways that retain and grow their workforce. 

Interested in strengthening your talent pipeline and creating meaningful career opportunities for Central Indiana job seekers? Contact our team at businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org. 

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.