Indiana will pay your boss to pay you more
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Gov. Mike Braun announced a new workforce training program Tuesday, designed to help Hoosiers earn more money.
Why it matters: Indiana's unemployment rate of 3.6% as of last month is lower than the national average and considered "full employment," meaning most Hoosiers who want a job have one, so the state is focusing on helping Hoosiers move into higher-paying jobs by funding trainings.
The big picture: Power Up Indiana will become the centerpiece of the state's workforce training program, utilizing $10 million appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly.
- It reimburses companies of all sizes that train existing employees into new positions that result in at least a 25% wage increase.
- The reimbursement rate is up to $5,000 per employee and up to $50,000 per company.
What they're saying: "This is how we reward leadership, raise wages, and make Indiana more competitive — one worker at a time," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams in a news release. "This program marks a significant step toward a more competitive, future ready workforce."
Between the lines: While the Braun administration, like most new officeholders, wants to paint the Power Up program as a bold new idea, Indiana has been doing this work for years.
Flashback: Gov. Eric Holcomb introduced the Employer Training Grant program in 2017, offering reimbursement to employers who trained new or existing employees, resulting in wage gain from the start to the completion of training.
- It targeted six priority fields, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture and IT.
The fine print: The Employer Training Grant program run by the Department of Workforce Development will continue for those who are already in the program and have funding.
- Any new applicants, though, will be directed to the new Power Up program, and anyone who completes their Employer Training Grant and wants to apply for another round will also go to the new program, said Lindsay Lindsey, chief of marketing and communications for DWD, which is overseeing both programs.
Go deeper: Companies can learn more at powerup.dwd.in.gov.