70 Local Stakeholders gather for Talent Summit with Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo
MARION, INDIANA, Wednesday June 26th 2019—70 local stakeholders gathered for the Grant and Blackford County Talent Summit with Governor Holcomb’s Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo. Many local stakeholders were in attendance—educators, employers, workforce development, economic development, funders, and local elected officials. Milo discussed trends in the economy and the workforce and how the state is seeking region-centric solutions. Marion’s Ivy Tech Campus hosted the workshop.
Governor Holcomb has projected that over 1 million jobs will need to be filled in Indiana over the next 10 years. Over 85% of the jobs that today’s kindergarteners will one day work do not yet exist—this presents many challenges for educators, leaders, and employers as we try to prepare Hoosiers for an uncertain and changing future of work. Developing a skilled 21st Century workforce is one of Governor Holcomb’s five pillars agenda to bring Indiana to the Next Level. From providing employer training funds through Next Level Jobs to encouraging strategic planning through 21st Century Talent Regions, Milo demonstrated that Governor Holcomb is committed to preparing Hoosiers for the changing economy and nature of the work.
Kelly Turner, the Human Resources Director for CIE, says: “It is encouraging to see a diverse group of local stakeholders gathered in one room to talk about preparing for the future of work and hear about Governor Holcomb and Secretary Milo’s dedication to developing a 21st century workforce.”
Ben Wiley of Wiley Metal Fabricating spoke about the importance of embracing the millennial generation in their work culture. They’ve made changes to their onboarding program to make it more intentional and personal as well as launch an incentive program, that gives employees the opportunity to learn new machinery for the option of a pay raise. Chad Yencer, Blackford County’s Super Intendent, spoke about collaborating with local employers to provide internship and work-learning programs.
Milo’s Talent Summit successfully brought many local stakeholders together to strategize and discuss solutions for the future of Grant and Blackford County. Local stakeholders are recognizing the need for strategic, region-centric, collaborative solutions and through innovative partnerships, initiatives, and programming, we are beginning to make strides in prepare our communities for a 21st century economy and workforce.
Media Contact:
Victoria Herring
vherring@grantcounty.com
(765) 662-0650
