Frequently Asked Questions
Workforce Ready Grant
What is Next Level Jobs
Next Level Jobs—part of Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Indiana agenda—aims to equip working-age Hoosiers and Indiana employers with the training and skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century economy. Developed in partnership by the Governor, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development with support from the Indiana General Assembly, Next Level Jobs features two targeted grant programs:
Workforce Ready Grant program for working-age Hoosiers and the Employer Training Grant program for Indiana employers.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
What is the Workforce Ready Grant?
Through the Workforce Ready Grant, working-age Hoosiers can enroll in no-cost training programs in any one of Indiana’s five high-demand fields. The Workforce Ready Grant targets in-demand occupations within the high-growth sectors of Indiana’s economy.
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Building & Construction
- Health & Life Sciences
- IT & Business Services
- Transportation & Logistics
Hoosiers can earn high-value certificates in these areas at any approved training provider located throughout the state. Apply to be a training provider!
Who is eligible? What are the requirements?
To qualify for the grant, students must:
- Be an Indiana resident and a U.S. citizen (or eligible resident)
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Have less than a college degree
- Have not earned an Associate or Bachelor’s degree
- Have not earned a certificate currently covered by the program
- Enroll in any qualifying training program at an eligible training provider
- File the FAFSA (allow 5-7 business days to be processed) for the appropriate award year
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Enroll as a full-time student for federal financial aid (typically four courses)
- If you are a Dependent Student for federal financial aid purposes
- Enroll at least as a half-time student for federal financial aid (typically two courses)
If you are an Independent Student for federal financial aid purposes
How much is the Workforce Ready Grant worth? What is the amount of the Grants?
The Workforce Ready Grant covers the remaining tuition and mandatory fee charges after other financial aid (excluding loans and GI Bill Benefits) has been applied up to $5,500 (Noncredit Certificates). Residents may receive the grant for up to two (2) years. The grant covers up to the number of credits required by the qualifying program including up to six (6) credit hours of remedial coursework taken after admission. The grant does not cover courses that do not directly apply to the student’s certificate program.
How do I get started?
TO QUALIFY, RECIPIENTS MUST:
- Be an Indiana resident and a U.S. Citizen (or eligible non-citizen)
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent) but less than a college degree
- Be eligible for state financial aid (for certain programs and providers)
- Enroll in a qualifying program at an approved training provider
A representative from the training programs will follow-up within 2-3 business days
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
What programs are covered under the Workforce Ready Grant?
The grant covers more than 125 high-value certificate programs offered in five job fields aligned with Indiana’s economy:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Building & Construction
- Health & Life Sciences
- IT & Business Technology
- Transportation & Logistics
The program does not cover associate or bachelor’s degrees and all certificate programs are less than two years.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
How were these five job fields and program certificates selected?
These fields are among the fastest growing industries in the state. The programs were selected based on employer demand, wages, job placements, and program completion rates.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
I have a college degree but I want to change careers. Can Next Level Jobs help?
Adults with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree or a certificate currently covered by the Workforce Ready Grant are not eligible for the grant. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has several resources on its website at IndianaCareerReady.com for re-training, including a job search engine for in-demand jobs. Indiana Career Ready also offers Career Guidance at their WorkOne Career Centers—schedule an appointment today!
I am active duty or recently retired from the military. Do I qualify?
Yes, assuming you meet all of the eligibility requirements for the program. Workforce Ready Grants would only be used after existing, non-GI Bill, military education benefits are exhausted.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
Are there employment requirements?
Recipients may be currently employed, but are not required to be. Unlike some employer-funded programs, recipients of this grant are not required to stay with their current employer for any period of time while enrolled in or upon completing the program.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
I am unemployed and want to get a job. Can I keep my benefits while in training?
Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications of your unemployment benefits and the Next Level Jobs eligibility, you can learn a new skill while keeping your benefits.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.
How do I find jobs in my area?
Visit IndianaCareerReady.com for opportunities for job seekers and employers.
See if you qualify and select an approved training provider.