November 09, 2023

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Vincennes University has officially opened its new cutting-edge industrial maintenance training lab at the Jackson County Learning Center in partnership with the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation, Jackson County Education Coalition, and Seymour-Jackson County. The facility aims to address the existing demand for highly-trained technicians and nurture a pipeline of talent ready to step into these positions.

In today’s rapidly evolving industries, VU plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the demands of local workforces and their need for skilled technicians. The demand for highly skilled technicians in and around Jackson County has never been more apparent.

According to Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation Executive Director Jim Plump, “With the large concentration of industry in Seymour-Jackson County and the surrounding area, the need for maintenance training was constantly mentioned as a need during our conversations with companies. As we met to try and figure out how we could pull something like this together, the reputation of Vincennes University’s training programs made it an easy call to see if they could be our partner to offer this training. We are extremely excited about this partnership to help expand our workforce development efforts.”

VU collaborates with industry partners to identify specific workforce demands and tailors its training to match those needs. By offering specialized training, the University is equipping individuals with the skills and expertise required for them to excel in their field. 

On Thursday, Nov. 9, VU held a ribbon-cutting of its new 1,600-square-foot training lab at the Jackson County Learning Center in Seymour. VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson was among the guest speakers.

VU will offer four courses at the site in basic electrical, basic mechanical, intermediate electrical, and intermediate mechanical in a state-of-the-art training lab filled with high-quality equipment including AC/DC Electrical Systems, Electric Motor Control with Troubleshooting, Electronic sensors, Mechanical Drives chains, belts and gears, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Motors with Troubleshooting, bearings and lubricants, Laser Shaft Alignment, Vibration Analysis and Power & Control Electronics.

“In close collaboration with our valued industry partners, Vincennes University is committed to cultivating talent, arming individuals with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel in the industrial maintenance trade,” VU Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services David Tucker said. “This new facility signifies VU’s dedication to not only addressing the current workforce shortage but also shaping the future by preparing individuals to seamlessly step into these vital roles, strengthening the economic growth of Jackson County and the state of Indiana." 

The new lab is supported by READI funding.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the IEDC, READI 2.0 continues to build on the framework and successes of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the 21st Century Talent Initiative, encouraging regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that, when implemented, will attract and retain talent in Indiana. Building on the success of READI 1.0, which allocated $487 million to 361 projects, the $500 million READI fund, part of the 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, continues this mission. More information is available at IndianaREADI.com.

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