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When Ichinen, a Japanese-owned manufacturer and distributor of high-quality forklift forks, connected with EmployIndy to explore opportunities for employee development, the company was introduced to Indiana’s Power Up Training Grant—an opportunity that quickly became a turning point for the close-knit organization of 11 employees and one of its promising team members.

Emily Cash, a receptionist in the accounting department, had a strong understanding of the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system but needed additional accounting skills to advance that project and take the next step in her career. Through the Power Up Training Grant, the company invested in targeted upskilling that strengthened the employee’s knowledge and confidence.

As a result, she took on expanded responsibilities, helping streamline the ERP implementation by applying consistent accounting practices to the system’s foundation.

The investment paid off. Ichinen benefited from her professional growth, while the employee earned a well-deserved promotion accompanied by a significant wage increase—an advancement made possible through access to the state’s training funds.

“We are deeply grateful to EmployIndy for providing the funding that allowed us to further educate Emily, enabling us to retain her as a valued team member and help her grow,” said Kathi Davidson, deputy general manager of operations at Ichinen. “Thanks to this opportunity, she has strengthened her accounting skills, allowing both our organization and her career to move forward with greater confidence and capability.”

Looking ahead, Ichinen is eager to continue its partnership with EmployIndy and use labor market insights to enhance its compensation strategy. The company’s experience demonstrates how strategic workforce investments can empower employees, strengthen business operations and support long-term organizational growth.

Learn how your business can partner with EmployIndy and the Power Up Training Grant to develop your workforce by sending us a message at [email protected].

When Abigail Ortiz first heard about the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) in her high school personal finance class, she didn’t know it would change her life. At the time, she was navigating a world turned upside down by the pandemic—remote learning, uncertainty, and constant adjustments. But that same environment taught her something valuable: adaptability. 

That willingness to embrace change became a defining theme in Abigail’s story. 

What is the Modern Apprenticeship Program? 

MAP is an innovative 2–3 year program for Central Indiana high school students that combines paid, hands-on work experience with college credit and professional skill development. Students work about 15–20 hours per week while completing high school, gaining real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials in fields like business, IT, and advanced manufacturing. 

For employers, MAP is a long-term investment in talent development. Companies gain early access to motivated students, shape their skills to meet business needs, and build a pipeline of future employees. 

Finding the Right Fit Through Connection 

When Abigail applied for MAP, she had options. She received offers from both AES Indiana and the City of Indianapolis. What made her choose AES? A human connection. 

“What really made me choose AES Indiana was the initial connection I had with my supervisor,” Abigail says. “She was welcoming and warm and made me feel like I was going to be supported throughout the whole apprenticeship.” 

That sense of support gave Abigail the confidence to dive into real-world business challenges. 

“I had the chance to support a lot of different work at AES, but the most important part was being exposed to a real-world business environment,” she explains. “I got to see how things operate on a day-to-day basis.” 

Through these experiences, Abigail developed critical soft skills—initiative, time management, empathy—and learned how to communicate professionally and juggle multiple priorities. 

Why Employers Choose MAP 

MAP helps employers tap into diverse talent pools—building strong talent pipelines to meet both short- and long-term staffing needs. 

“The standout feature of the program is its practicality. Apprentices begin contributing immediately, and by the time they graduate, they are fully integrated into our culture and processes,” says Lauren Hutto, Manager, Global Collaborations at AES. “This makes it a strategic investment in all our futures.” 

Employers who partner with MAP see measurable benefits: 

 

The Ripple Effect of Opportunity 

For Abigail, the impact of this apprenticeship didn’t stop at workplace skills. It opened doors Abigail never imagined. 

“The program helped me build emotional intelligence, professional confidence, and leadership skills,” she says. “It also helped me earn a full-ride scholarship to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.” 

Today, Abigail is a junior at IU, planning to explore careers in bilingual communications and community impact work. While she’s considering returning to AES, she’s also open to joining other companies in Indianapolis who share a commitment to investing in the future of students like herself.  

Why This Matters 

Abigail’s story is proof that flexibility and innovation in workforce development create life-changing opportunities for individuals as well as measurable results for businesses. By piloting creative solutions like the Modern Apprenticeship Program, EmployIndy is helping build a confident and resilient workforce.  

Want to learn how your organization can benefit from innovative workforce strategies? Message us at [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities. 

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 [email protected].