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.