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Logansport mayor says new partnership can only help workers

Last Updated on October 11, 2018 by cassnetwork

A promising state initiative supported by private sources should help fill the void in Indiana’s labor force.

That’s the reaction of Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell who was among public officials on hand Thursday morning for the announcement of the new Skillful Initiative in Indiana.

In cooperation with Microsoft, Walmart, Purdue University and the Markle Foundation, the state will be involved with a coordinated effort to provide training to those not currently in the workforce and to promote more lifelong learning for all Hoosier adults.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, Mary Snapp of Microsoft Philanthropies and others launched the initiative. It is dedicated to enabling adults, particularly those without four-year degrees, to secure good jobs in a changing economy. One of its goals is unite employers, educators, policymakers and workforce development organizations will be creating a labor market that values skills, information access and educational opportunities.

Microsoft selected Indiana for expansion of its program from Colorado after careful consideration and the existing infrastructure for success.

“Workforce development is the No. 1 priority on our city agenda for 2018, and it is also the No. 1 priority on the governor’s agenda for the state,” Kitchell said after the press conference at the Indiana State Museum. “Given the high percentage of adults 25 and older with no four-year college degree, this kind of initiative is key to secure higher-paying jobs for Logansport, Cass County and north central Indiana.”

The CEO of Skillful, Beth Colbert, said she is impressed with the state.

“With Skillful Indiana, we see a tremendous opportunity to bring additional resources, national partners and road-tested programming to contribute to the exciting things happening here,” she said.

The Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation also is a partner in the initiative.

SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell

Cass County Online