Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana

The Indiana Plan is offering a free two-week course. The course was funded through a grant. The grant came about through the redevelopment of the ANCO site in Valparaiso (now Journeyman Distillery). One of the requests from the funder is that we target unemployed and underemployed residents of the Valparaiso area. The two-week class will help guide participants through the application process for a construction apprenticeship program in the skilled construction trades. The tentative schedule for the classes is April 29th through May 10th. Applications for the class are now being accepted. If you know anyone in the Valparaiso or surrounding area who is interested in getting into an apprenticeship program, please encourage them to apply. All of the information is on the attached flyer.

Today, we embarked on an informative field trip with high school career advisors and representatives from various learning organizations dedicated to guiding our young men and women toward fulfilling career paths. The Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana initiated this event to shine a light on the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the construction industry. Our day began at the CAF, where participants delved into the essentials of building a successful career in construction. From navigating the application process for apprenticeship programs to understanding workforce expectations, we covered all of the ins and outs of the construction industry. The adventure continued at the Central Midwest Carpenters training facility in Merrillville. Here, our guests were introduced to the world of Carpenters, Millwrights, and Floor Coverers, learning about the various career paths available within these trades. Next, the journey took us to the Ironworkers Local 395 apprenticeship training center in Lake Station. It was a hands-on experience for some as they tried arc welding, gaining a firsthand glimpse into the life of an Ironworker and the critical role they play in the construction industry. Our last stop of the tour, the SR 249 bridge construction project, led by Superior Construction, offered a real-world look at the complexities involved in constructing a bridge to span across a major highway and numerous railroads. This visit highlighted the intricate planning and teamwork required in large-scale construction projects. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Teamsters Local 142 Training & Apprenticeship who provided their training bus and a skilled Teamster to ensure safe and comfortable transportation for our participants across the different venues. A special thank you to Amy Burke from the Center of Workforce Innovations for her tireless efforts in coordinating this event. Her dedication to bridging connections between regional schools and the construction industry made this educational journey a reality. We are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to making today's field trip a success. It's opportunities like these that open doors for the next generation, guiding them toward meaningful and prosperous careers in the construction industry. #ConstructionCareers #ApprenticeshipPrograms #CareerGuidance #EducationalExcursion #FutureBuilders #CAF #WorkforceDevelopment #Carpenters #Ironworkers