The number is daunting: 1 million-plus jobs becoming available in Indiana in the coming years. Fred Payne, commissioner of the state’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD), views that as an opportunity. The keys to an effective workforce system, he says, are engagement, training and time to review/reflect for any needed course corrections. DWD has a variety of programs to assist both employers and employees. Payne breaks down the benefits of the expanded Next Level Jobs grants (250 employers and nearly 7,000 individuals engaged in the first round), apprenticeships, the work ethic certificate and more. Learn more:

Indiana Department of Workforce Development (www.in.gov/dwd)
Next Level Jobs (www.nextleveljobs.org)
Indiana INTERNnet (www.indianaintern.net)