Women Welders Rebuild Indiana’s Workforce
The tight labor market makes it hard for businesses of all kinds to hire enough workers.
Welders are among those in demand, especially in Indiana, where a new program responds to employer needs by giving female inmates the skills to join the workforce when they’re released from state prison.
More than 200 women have gone through the Ivy Tech Community College program since December 2017, including a number who now belong to the small community of women welders.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb singled out the program during this year’s state of the state address. “Given the urgency around strengthening our workforce, we can’t afford to overlook anyone, especially those who want to earn a second chance,” he told lawmakers.