VINCENNES, Ind. - Apprenticeships and work-based learning programs continue to evolve as vital provisions toward merging industry resources with technical expertise.

During a recent visit to the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Vincennes, Darrel Zeck, executive director of Indiana’s Department of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship, noted that “partnerships are extremely important and are the best way to enhance work-based learning around the state.” The goal is to address hard-to-fill positions, often referred to as the ‘skills gap.’

Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes directly addresses the statewide skills gap, the oft-repeated concern of industry leaders who want but are unable to hire qualified employees for manufacturing positions. Students graduating from Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes over the past seven years have contributed to the state’s economy, particularly in the west-central and southwest regions of the state.

According to Zeck, more than one million job openings will be available in Indiana over the next 10 years, with more than half due to the retirement of Baby Boomers. Current and future jobs are “mid-skill and high-skill,” with thousands of jobs left open around the state because skilled workers are just not available.

To fill that gap, Zeck noted that GEDs, certificates, and associate degrees need to be attainable so that students can move directly into the workforce or continue their education to obtain a baccalaureate degree.

During his visit to Vincennes University Zeck toured the Technology building with Scott Wallace, coordinator of VU’s Precision Machining Technology program, and Ty Freed, dean of the VU College of Technology. VU’s PMT program is one of the few in the United States to offer specialized training in manual machining, CNC machining, metal stamping die, and plastic injection mold building.

Zeck also spoke with Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes students about their career aspirations and how their VU associate degrees and their Purdue baccalaureate degrees will help them achieve their goals.

Information about Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes is available by contacting Jim Tanoos, jtanoos@purdue.edu, 317-989-7726.

PURDUE POLYTECHNIC VINCENNES

The Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Vincennes is part of a statewide network that offers the same technology degrees available in West Lafayette. The benefit of earning a degree at the Vincennes location is that the intimate setting of the campus provides students with dedicated, one-on-one attention.

Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes offers a degree-completion program in multidisciplinary technology. Graduates usually find employment in business and industry in Vincennes and the surrounding communities. In addition, Purdue serves as a resource for local business and industrial personnel who are updating their skills or who need retraining in technical fields.

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