INDIANAPOLIS (April 21, 2020) Conexus Indiana today announced it is partnering with 180 Skills, an online provider of manufacturing, logistics and employability skills training, to offer 1,500 Indiana high school students access to 180 Skills’ online library as they continue their learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purdue University’s IN-MaC (Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center) is also a partner in the effort and is sharing the resource with additional audiences throughout the state.
The partnership will allow students and educators access to the complete 180 Skills library, developed with manufacturers and educators, and including 700 courses focused on aerospace, automotive and commercial manufacturing.
The library will be leveraged by students and educators in multiple Conexus programs, including Hire Tech, a manufacturing and logistics curriculum created by Conexus and offered in high schools across the state; Catapult Indiana, an innovative manufacturing training program focused on serving unemployed and underemployed Hoosiers; and Conexus Interns, a manufacturing and logistics internship offered to high school students. The courses will be offered until July 31, 2020.
“During this uncertain time, Conexus is focused on ensuring our programs continue to serve Indiana’s students by providing meaningful, relevant content in online learning environments across the state,” said Kyle Marshall, Conexus Indiana director, talent programs. “We believe our partnership with 180 Skills provides Hoosier students a robust learning environment to keep them engaged.”
The online courses will be offered to Hire Tech and CTE (career and technical education) teachers as supplemental teaching materials for their students. The coursework is also meant to expand on certification opportunities for students impacted by challenges in Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) testing due to the pandemic.
“Utilizing technology, like 180 Skills, in support of remote learning, distance education and online learning during this unprecedented time is providing equitable access to educators and students across the state of Indiana,” said Sascha Harrell, IN-MaC director for education and workforce. “If students are to excel in a fast-changing, global society, we must harness the technology resources they need to function in a digital age and prepare them for a future in Industry 4.0.”
About Conexus Indiana
For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana, one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) non-profit initiatives, has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to invest, employ and succeed. By collaborating with industry, academic and public sector partners on a shared vision for an innovative, skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana has helped to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepare Hoosiers to succeed in the state’s largest industry sectors and maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage. For more information, go to www.conexusindiana.com.
About Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center
IN-MaC provides programs and services to enhance the talents and capabilities of Indiana’s present and future workforce by facilitating connections between educators and industry to catalyze the formation of near-term and long-term skills in a highly accessible manner across Indiana. IN-MaC supports a variety of STEM-type, skilled trades, degree (associates and undergraduate) and certificate programs. For more information, go to www.purdue.edu/in-mac/.