Ascend Indiana

Hey there! The latest Ascend Indiana Newsletter is now out. This month we look at the results from a recent credential study, introduce a new vice chair to Ascend's board, and more. ? Subscribe to our newsletter for future insights!

Another incredible trip with our state's leading IT and microelectronics employers to learn about the Swiss vocational and professional education and training system! We had great food and even better dialogue! Thank you to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation for coordinating this effort and driving innovation across the state.

This week, Ascend’s President and CEO Bradley Rhorer and Director of Workforce Strategies Alexia Maggos, along with Conexus Indiana’s Patrick McGrew and TechPoint’s Ting Gootee, CFA, CAIA, joined other members of the #CEMETS #iLabIndiana Industry Committee in Switzerland to learn about vocational and professional education and training programs for high school students in IT and microelectronics, where apprentices spend 50% of their time on the job, applying classroom learning in real-world settings. ? The group visited Accenture, Swissmem, and Bad Schinznach AG, among others, who shared about the critical role apprentices play in their workforce. Thank you, Didi Eglseder and Ursula Renold for your help in coordinating these employer site visits.

Last month, Ascend's Manager of Talent Engagement Christy Linn visited Eleva-Strum High School in Strum, Wisconsin to learn about Cardinal Manufacturing, a student-run business specializing in design, machining, fabrication, welding and repair work. Cardinal Manufacturing acts a solution to the skills gap by creating a self-funding, sustainable advanced manufacturing program that teaches not only the in-demand technical skills, but also the essential employability skills. The program also offers students career and financial planning and scholarships.

Work-based Learning Partnership: The University of Evansville is partnering with Evansville-based anu? (previously gropod) to launch a new initiative designed to address food insecurity and workforce development. It will give students hands-on learning opportunities and provide programs for local schools and community organizations. ??: Inside INdiana Business

We're so stoked to have you on the Ascend team, Kristopher! ??

Oh baby! We recently held a team get together celebrating our expecting parents on the team with many sweet treats and fun. Congratulations to Jackie, Ellen, Bryce, Aaron, Nick (not pictured) and their families! ??????????

Last week, Ascend Vice President of Workforce Strategies Erica Viar was at SXSW EDU learning alongside Indiana Youth Institute, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and some of Indiana’s Education Service Centers. She said it was inspiring to hear best practices from leaders across the country around supporting students towards achieving their college and career goals and the importance of work-based learning to bring back to our work and communities. A few highlights from the week included Secretary of Education Katie Jenner joining panelists to speak about Industry-Aligned K-12 Pathways and the STEM Jobs of Tomorrow, as well as Claire Fiddian-Green (RMFF), Michael Ash (Fifth Third Bank), Melody Coryell (IPS), and Sue Ellspermann (Ivy Tech) sharing their learnings from iLab and our current efforts to scale apprenticeship statewide.

I'm really excited to share a mini series capturing the learnings, insights and experiences from an opportunity to join a state delegation, made possible by CEMETS iLab Indiana and Ascend Indiana / TechPoint / CICP to #Switzerland. I’m in for an action packed week of learning and evaluating workforce #apprenticeship programs from a globally renowned program and process in #Zurich. My focus, and the focus of this specific trip and study is on applying concepts to #technology and #cybersecurity fields and provide input on whether Indiana should expand the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway Program (which had made progress in other skills and disciplines) I'm really interested in seeing how apprenticeships can help us develop young talent in #Indiana. Throughout the week, I’ll be sharing experiences and insights. I’ll also be talking with some Swiss apprentices and business leaders to get their perspectives on what the program has done for both students and employers. I want this series to be an interactive experience, so if you are into developing youth in tech/cyber, please follow me on my journey and leave any comments and questions. I'll do my best to answer them or incorporate virtual insights and questions. This type of investment in early pre-career talent has likely benefits beyond Indiana, so if you are not a Hoosier, don’t feel shy to engage!

Our AnalytiXIN program is hosting its next Communities of Practice on AI & Manufacturing: Advance Analytics in Action. This event will feature Dr. Ed Kinzel, University of Notre Dame Associate Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and includes a riveting conversation on additive glass! Communities of Practice events are virtual, free and offer a fantastic opportunity for you and your team to upskill, share knowledge, and discuss real-world challenges. ??? Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 ??Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. ???Location: Virtual ??Discussion Registration Link:?https://bit.ly/41Nrmzw ?