AWMA Receives Grant to Raise Awareness and Opportunities

In a bid to bridge the gap between education and industry, the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance (AWMA) has recently been awarded a generous grant of $121,776.00 by the Indiana Commission for Higher Learning. As a non-profit organization, AWMA strives to facilitate connections between students, parents, educators, local manufacturers and construction companies. This grant will enable AWMA to expand its efforts to promote career awareness and provide valuable opportunities for aspiring professionals in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

"With this generous support, AWMA is reaffirming our commitment to showcasing the various career options awaiting our youth. From vocational education in high school to opening doors to local employment, we are helping empower our community's next generation to thrive," explains Joe Elkins, Executive Director of Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance.

Creating a Pathway to Success

The manufacturing and construction industry is pivotal in driving economic growth and innovation. However, the lack of awareness and misconceptions surrounding careers in this field often deter individuals from pursuing these well-paid opportunities. Recognizing this challenge, AWMA has been tirelessly working to break down barriers and equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in the manufacturing sector.

With the Indiana Commission for Higher Learning grant, AWMA can enhance its outreach programs by increasing participation in career fairs, workshops, and informational sessions and adding website resources to foster a deeper understanding of the manufacturing industry. The goal is to engage students, parents, and educators and dispel common industry myths while highlighting the career opportunities within these sectors.

"We’re excited to demonstrate to students and parents the opportunities available in our local community. By providing hands-on trade experiences in high school and access to high-paying local jobs," says Elkins.

Connecting Education with Industry

One of AWMA's key objectives is establishing solid partnerships between educational institutions and local manufacturers. By facilitating these connections, AWMA helps provide students with valuable hands-on experiences, internships, and apprenticeships that will enable them to gain practical skills and insights into the manufacturing industry.

The grant allows AWMA to expand its network of partner organizations, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of opportunities tailored to their interests and aspirations. By encouraging collaboration between educators and industry professionals, AWMA focuses on creating a seamless transition from the classroom to the workplace, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

To help meet these objectives, over the next 18 months, AWMA will undertake several initiatives to achieve our goals:

Career Coach: We will incorporate additional career coaching opportunities and develop strategies to attract talent and address the changing needs of the workforce. These coaching sessions will provide ongoing personalized support to students, ensuring the effectiveness of existing programs. Additionally, more one-on-one sessions will help students understand their personality test results and align them with potential career paths.

Insurance Program: AWMA has agreed to serve in a lead role for the 2022 HB 1094 initiative, which focuses on providing insurance for youth workers.

Video Library: We plan to create videos highlighting the significance of our programs and promoting local opportunities to students and parents. These videos will specifically focus on member organizations to enhance the understanding of the manufacturing industry and publicize CTE programs and the state's insurance program. They will be tailored to local employers and students to provide a comprehensive understanding of these initiatives. Our goal is to address common challenges and create more opportunities for students.

Communications Director: To enhance the impact of our initiatives, AWMA will add more communications to target audiences by partnering with Neomark Digital Solutions. This will improve coordination, provide more opportunities for people to connect with AWMA, ensure smooth implementation, and maximize the impact of the grant. This will include overseeing the creation of videos, coordinating with partners and educators, and managing the distribution of resources through platforms like YouTube to reach a broad audience locally and statewide.

Plant Tours: The grant will support the expansion of manufacturing tours for students in Adams and Wells Counties. The main objective of this initiative is to provide students with firsthand insights into local industries and career opportunities within these companies. As part of this initiative, headsets will be purchased to enhance the plant tour experience, facilitating clear communication between the guide and students.

Empowering the Future Workforce

The manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly, with technological advancements and automation reshaping traditional roles. AWMA recognizes the importance of equipping students with the necessary skills to adapt to these changes and thrive in the future workforce. Through the grant, AWMA will provide training programs and certifications that align with industry standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the manufacturing sector.

Elkins explains, "This grant significantly amplifies AWMA's mission to highlight the wide range of career paths readily available to students. We aim to bridge the gap between classrooms and workplaces, ensuring every student recognizes that the pathway to success begins right in their own backyard."

Furthermore, AWMA will actively engage with parents, emphasizing career opportunities available in manufacturing and construction. By addressing misconceptions and showcasing success stories through our video series, AWMA wants to garner support and encouragement from parents, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for students to pursue their career aspirations.

Conclusion

The grant received by the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance marks a significant milestone in their mission to bridge the gap between education and industry. With enhanced resources and expanded outreach programs, AWMA is well-positioned to nurture a skilled workforce for the manufacturing and construction sectors. By promoting awareness, facilitating connections, and providing valuable opportunities, AWMA is paving the way for a prosperous future in Adams and Wells counties and throughout Indiana.