Partner Opportunities

Businesses in Adams, Blackford, Jay, and Wells Counties have a unique opportunity to partner with the Area 18 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Cooperative to become work-based learning (WBL) sites. This collaboration not only supports local workforce development but also provides employers with access to emerging talent and potential state incentives.

The Area 18 CTE Cooperative encompasses multiple school districts, including Huntington County Community Schools, and offers programs in fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and more. By becoming a WBL site, businesses can:

• Mentor Future Professionals: Provide students with real-world experience, enhancing their skills and readiness for the workforce.
• Develop a Talent Pipeline: Identify and train potential future employees, reducing recruitment costs. Indiana Chamber of Commerce+1Government of India+1
• Strengthen Community Ties: Demonstrate commitment to local education and economic development.

To initiate a partnership, businesses can fill out this survey, contact the Area 18 CTE Cooperative office or the WBL Coordinator at their local school district.Government of India

Indiana’s WBL continuum includes various models suitable for different business capacities:Indiana Chamber of Commerce+4Government of India+4EmployIndy+4

• Job Shadowing: Short-term observation opportunities for students.Government of India

• Internships: Structured, often longer-term, experiences with defined learning outcomes.ExcelinEd+1Government of India+1

• Apprenticeships: Comprehensive programs combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.ExcelinEd

• State Earn and Learn (SEAL) Programs: Industry-focused programs that provide education and paid work experience.

Each model offers flexibility to accommodate the needs and resources of participating businesses. Work + Learn Indiana is a great source for information Information Resource on WBL

Indiana offers several incentives to encourage employer participation in WBL programs:EmployIndy+2ExcelinEd+2Government of India+2

• EARN Indiana: Employers offering eligible internships can receive up to 50% wage reimbursement for high school and college students.
• Career Scholarship Accounts (CSAs): Provide funding for students in grades 10–12 to pursue approved apprenticeships and work-based learning experiences, covering expenses such as transportation and equipment. ERIC+1ExcelinEd+1
• Workforce Ready Grant: Covers tuition and fees for high-value certificate programs in sectors like Advanced Manufacturing and Health Sciences, benefiting employers by upskilling potential hires. Government of India

Businesses interested in partnering with the Area 18 CTE Cooperative can take the following steps:

1. Contact the Area 18 CTE Cooperative Office: Start by filling out this survey to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
2. Connect with Local School Districts: Engage with WBL Coordinators to align on program goals and student placements.
3. Define the WBL Model: Choose the appropriate work-based learning model that fits your business capacity.
4. Explore Incentives: Review available state incentives to support your participation.
1. LEARN MORE Indiana – LEARN MORE Indiana Website
2. Work & Learn Program – Website Info Page
3. EARN Indiana – Webpage site
4. SEAL Indiana – Webpage for Program

By investing in work-based learning, businesses not only contribute to the development of a skilled workforce but also gain access to motivated, trainable talent ready to meet industry demands.