Communities thrive on business-friendly relations, but they continue to grow 10 years down the road when they’ve invested in future generations’ understanding of that workforce. The Portage Economic Development Corporation (EDC) partners with several local and regional Workforce Development Organizations to provide specialized training and skill assessment needs for area employers. Beyond that, the Portage EDC takes the initiative another step by working with local schools to ensure that students know their options when they consider secondary education and employment opportunities after high school.
Recently, Portage Township High School was awarded a Grade “A” by the Indiana Department of Education. Part of this is thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Portage EDC, who cultivate real learning experiences for students by placing them in real workplace settings. The Portage EDC partners with organizations like Porter County Career & Technical Education, which provides opportunities for 11th and 12th-grade students to participate in internships that give them hands-on training in fields like health sciences, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, education, hospitality, and more. Many of these opportunities allow for dual high school and college credit. Graduates also have a head start on a post-secondary degree and a successful, well-paying career.
Students wanting to explore a career in the health industry strongly benefit from partnerships between the Portage EDC and organizations like Porter County Career & Technical Education. Not only does this program provide them with the head start of experience, but also a practical understanding of the daily work environment of a dentist or a nurse. Students will learn the basics of their desired field and learn early on whether that field is really for them; can they handle the stress of the environment, or is it everything they imagined? The education reveals itself to be twofold in this regard.
Instructors and professional healthcare staff members work closely with the students to ensure they receive the guidance they need. Working onsite in hospitals and practices alongside nurses, dentists, and physical therapists gives makes for excellent experience.
The Portage EDC education partnerships also provide great opportunities for students considering a career in construction. Students can gain pre-apprenticeship training in carpentry, electrical, heating, air conditioning, painting, drywalling, plumbing, and Mason trades. Working outside with an actual construction crew, students have the chance to learn the attitudes and behaviors of the field, and to have a hand in building a structure.
Manufacturing 360 is another example of the Portage EDC’s fostering of education. The showcase exposes Portage High School students to a variety of training and employment opportunities within local companies. Hands-on presentations and talks give the young people practical experience, tools, and the mindset that good career opportunities abound in trades.
Experience is the best teacher. Because of the Portage EDC, the future Portage township workforce is continually growing and shaping. With the applicable experience, students can enter the workforce equipped with more than the basics.
For more information about the Portage Economic Development Corporation, please visit www.portagein.org.
