A skilled workforce is our state’s most valuable resource. But companies continue to struggle – even in today’s tough economy– to find the right employees for today’s high-tech manufacturing and logistics industries.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reports that 80 percent of its members face a “moderate to serious” shortage of qualified job applicants. Demand for logistics workers is also growing, as U.S. freight volume is expected to double by 2035. And as Baby Boomers begin to retire in record numbers and the economy starts growing again, the workforce shortage will only increase.

To meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s, Conexus Indiana is partnering with Indiana’s institutions of higher education and technical training providers to create programs that meet industry needs. Conexus Indiana has helped restructure the advanced manufacturing curriculum for Ivy Tech and provided support for supply chain management degrees at the IU Kelley School of Business. Other programs are in the works.

The other challenge is attracting young people to these programs and generating interest in manufacturing and logistics careers. Many students have an inaccurate and outdated perception of these fields, with images of assembly lines and forklifts. To combat this, Conexus Indiana is the statewide partner for NAM’s Dream It. Do It. campaign aimed at changing perceptions and instilling interest in manufacturing and logistics careers. Conexus Indiana has a goal of increasing enrollment in manufacturing and logistics programs by 55% within five years – helping put more Hoosiers on the path to good jobs and supplying Indiana companies with the human capital they need to grow.

Get paid well for doing something you love. Click here to get on the path to a bright future in advanced manufacturing and logistics through the Conexus ‘Dream It. Do It.’ initiative.