Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Today, Senator Mike Braun becomes Governor Mike Braun. He will serve Hoosiers as the 52nd governor of Indiana.

Early Data Shows Indiana’s Pivot Workforce Recommendation Engine Producing Positive Results In November 2023, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) introduced Pivot, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered workforce engine designed and implemented by Resultant, providing targeted, data-driven job recommendations for unemployed individuals. More specifically, Pivot analyzes data from the Indiana State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), including an individual’s work, wage, and educational background. This allows the tool to deliver personalized job recommendations and streamline the job search process. Beyond helping claimants find jobs aligned with their skills, Pivot identifies opportunities for career growth through higher wages and additional education, ultimately enhancing economic mobility and improving employment outcomes for Indiana’s workforce. READ: https://lnkd.in/gHbQJUmf

Today marks Eric J Holcomb's final day in office as Indiana's 51st Governor. Alongside him we've helped Hoosier's skill up to a better job with training, a certificate, or a degree. We’re offering more associate degree options, more apprenticeships, doubled the number of Jobs for America’s Graduates programs and trained our incarcerated individuals for life after lockup. We're thankful for his leadership and dedication. We wish he and Janet the best in their next endeavors. #DWD #Indiana #WorkforceDevelopment

Did you know January is National Mentoring Month? At DWD many of our programs work with and encourage mentorship because of the additional success it ensures for adult learners, apprentices, and workers alike. The DWD Office of Work Based Learning and Apprenticeship has put together a short list of ideas on how you can highlight and celebrate the mentors in your business. 1. Mentor Spotlight: Highlight the impact mentors have on apprentices. Share short videos where the mentor answers questions about their own background and industry expertise, why they became a mentor, and their favorite success story. 2. Have the mentor share resources they feel made them a better resource for others seeking mentorship or wanting to become a mentor themselves. 3. Celebrate the positive long term affects mentorship has on careers by sharing stories of where mentees are now. Mentorship often happens at the beginning stages of a career, but the relationships last much longer. 4. January 14 is Thank a Mentor Day. If you are a former mentee, be sure to share your gratitude with your mentor. Or show your appreciation by giving back on January 20. Known widely as Martin Luther King Jr. Day it is also a day of service in his memory. 5. Educate yourself on mentorship. For example, what makes a good trainer verse what makes a good mentor? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e-CMbuFw

Let's connect! The DWD Office of Work Based Learning and Apprenticeship is bringing together key U.S. Department of Labor intermediaries from both the national and local levels to talk about Registered Apprenticeship Programs. You can join the conversation by registering for the Wednesday, January 8 event by clicking here: https://ow.ly/F7fH50UyZ8w

Today, Governor Holcomb directed flags to be flown at half-staff across Indiana in honor and tribute to the memory of former President James Earl Carter, Jr. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on from now until sunset Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Gov. Holcomb is also requesting businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.

We will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25. We hope you enjoy this holiday season and will return to serving Hoosiers Thursday, December 26. #DWD #Workforce

The November Employment Report for Indiana is now available. The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in November was recorded to be 4.4%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for November was 4.2%. In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.4% compared to the national rate of 62.5%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs. Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,442,250 and is at its highest on record. November 2024 total private employment is 2,869,200 a decrease of 2,800 from the previous month and 608,900 above the April 2020 Trough. Industries that experienced job increases this month included: Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+3,300) Professional & Business Services (+3,100) Private Education & Health Services (+1,000) As of November 28, 2024, there were 92,158 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on November 30, 2024, Indiana had 20,931 continued unemployment insurance claims filed. Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers. Read: https://lnkd.in/gYutfv57

Congratulations to Governor Holcomb and our JAG team for expanding to 250 programs for 2025. This was a large undertaking by our team and we're excited for young Hoosiers to now reap the benefits. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) successfully reached its Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) target growth goal by increasing the number of statewide middle and high school programs from 125 to 250 prior to 2025, as directed by Governor Eric J. Holcomb. JAG Indiana now boasts the largest network of JAG programs in the United States. Gov. Holcomb set the expansion goal in September of 2023 to remove barriers to graduation some young Hoosiers face. JAG is a resiliency-building workforce program helping both middle and high school students learn in-demand employability skills and receive career exploration and coaching experiences. Administered by DWD, JAG Indiana has served 40,000 Hoosier youths to date. “I’m incredibly proud of the JAG team for reaching this lofty goal and ensuring students across the state of Indiana can explore their potential and find their career path of choice,” Governor Holcomb said. “JAG develops leaders who go on to make excellent participants in the workforce which in turn only betters Indiana, community by community. These kids will forever have the support of the JAG system and one another. Congratulations to all involved.” READ: https://lnkd.in/ed57Ah-F

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development's UI Modernization Team changed their Uplink application from a monolith software development approach to a microservices approach. They essentially broke up the application into smaller pieces so that when software changes are implemented, they’re more seamless and less likely to cause large-scale issues or breaks in service. This project was an extensive undertaking and required exceptional leadership, innovation, and creativity. Congratulations to them on receiving a Governor's Public Service Achievement Award!