Programming taking shape for workforce training center

17 Jan 2025
News
Leaders bringing a career and vocational training facility to Hancock County continue connecting with businesses, schools, and workforce officials to determine the best ways to get local residents good jobs and local companies effective employees.
Work is underway on the Amplify Hancock Innovation Center at the northwest corner of County Roads 200W and 300N, where it will accommodate training and educational needs for employers, schools, and adult learners. Slated to open in July 2026, it will initially span about 95,000 square feet and is expected to grow throughout its future.

Earlier this week, Amplify Hancock officials met with advanced manufacturing, education, and workforce representatives to explore tailored workforce development and training opportunities to meet local advanced manufacturers’ evolving needs. Erica Boswell, Community Development Manager for the Hancock Economic Development Council; and Chris Brunner, AM Region Talent Strategy and Marketing Manager for Astemo in Greenfield, led the discussion with leaders from Astemo, Avery Dennison, Ivy Tech Community College, and WorkOne.
Boswell and Brunner discussed how Amplify Hancock will benefit the local economy in multiple ways, including closing workforce skills gaps by addressing critical needs with customized training. It will also create specialized and innovative solutions by upskilling existing workforces and implementing high school work-based learning programs. Additionally, it will be able to be a site for hosting annual and mandatory trainings, streamlining compliance and improving workforce readiness.
The speakers talked about the involvement of Hancock County’s four public school corporations, as grade 9-12 students will have the opportunity learn and train in advanced manufacturing as well as a variety of other vocational fields at Amplify Hancock. The discussion included changes to Indiana high school graduation requirements, what motivated them, and how Amplify can be a part of students’ meeting them as well. Additionally, Brunner’s presentation highlighted Astemo’s high school internship program and the success it’s had with local students at the company’s advanced manufacturing facility on Greenfield’s north side.
With the groundwork laid and momentum building, Amplify Hancock is poised to become a pivotal resource for Hancock County’s workforce and educational needs. Business leaders who want to learn more about and be a part of the initiative are encouraged to contact Boswell at eboswell@hancockedc.com.
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