Indiana Energy Consortium June 29, 2009

Why an Energy Consortium? The Challenge The Aging Workforce –Collaboration needed to build a pipeline of future workers to the energy industry –Need to “raise the bar” for future applicants; no time for remedial education –Win/Win for all involved

Energy Industry Partners AEP Alcoa Power Plant Citizens Gas Duke Indianapolis Power & Light Miller Pipeline NIPSCO/NiSource Ivy Tech Community College REMC’s Vectren

Education Partners Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Mission Statement Create an ongoing partnership between energy industries, education and workforce development organizations to assure that an adequate supply of qualified, skilled workers are available to meet the needs of the energy industry in Indiana.

Curriculum Subcommittee Identified 3 Areas of Study –Gas Technology –Power Plant Technology –Electric Line Technology Career Development Certificate Programs built for each area (30-33 credits each) Received Ivy Tech approval to begin offering in 2008 Subsequent AAS degree programs also approved

Important Notes These programs were not designed to replace internal corporate training or build totally qualified workers They were built to provide a pipeline of potential employees with the aptitude and basic skills and knowledge to succeed in energy industry jobs Those who successfully complete any one of these programs are guaranteed an interview at any of the partner energy companies who are hiring.

Marketing Subcommittee Charged with developing and implementing an overall strategy for marketing the job needs and increasing interest in these curriculums as a path to employment How do we make others aware of these opportunities? How do we increase their interest in enrolling in these programs?

Funding Subcommittee Develop funding strategies Apply for any applicable grant funds –Collect needed data and support from partner companies Continue to seek additional funding avenues

President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative Ivy Tech applied for grant for three Regions, with support of Consortium partners Successful in $1,000,000 award over 3 years Grant Project Manager hired Initial funds used to offset tuition, for some students Commitment to prepare over 500 individuals for employment in the energy industry

Accomplishments Brought all of the state’s major utilities to the same table Developed 3 new energy specialties and obtained approval for both Certificate and AAS Programs Established a connection with CEWD and gained national recognition Established a relationship with the IEA

Accomplishments Developed a “Get Into Energy-Indiana” webpage on the CEWD website (to be launched in 2009) Regional partnerships developed between energy industry and Ivy Tech Vectren summer Career Fair Evansville campus received $73K grant for energy training programs; also participate in WIRED grant Region 1 has 78 enrolled in energy curriculums, with first grads expected in either late 2009 or spring 2010 Currently expanding to Kokomo campus Built common Brochure for entire state to use to market programs

Current Consortium Projects Identify subject matter experts to teach courses Plan course offering schedule Review additional course material and build additional detail for Instructors Build connection with all involved in entering students and those who look to hire them Improve communication with students

Additional Current Projects Further Regional Marketing efforts –Middle and High Schools –Internal Company/Ivy Tech –Parents Consider expansion of programs to additional campuses Build website links between industry and Ivy Tech websites

Challenges Success…….Hard to keep up with the pace Communication and decision making with a geographically diverse group that does not attend every meeting

Lessons Learned Decide early on how decisions are made for the group and who makes them Get the right people in the room and be diligent in keeping them there Just ASK…..you never know what you might get Just DO IT…sometimes you have to “fly by the seat of your pants”

Questions?