New Conexus Effort Targets Gen Z
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThere’s a new strategy in Indiana to help fill the state’s workforce pipeline with the next generation of talent. Conexus Indiana, the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industry initiative, has just launched the Make IN Move initiative to help raise awareness of the job opportunities in those sectors. There appears to be a big void to fill with more than 20,000 open positions in the state.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Conexus Indiana Chief Talent Programs Officer Bradley Rhorer said the program is very specific in the demographic it hopes to reach. “We’re really focused on Gen Z, and really looking at that 16- to 24-year-old range, those students coming out of high school and those young adults really looking for a good career path in manufacturing and logistics,” explained Rhorer.
Conexus says through an interactive website, digital advertising and strategic industry partnerships, Make IN Move will help Indiana’s emerging workforce find a career that suits their needs as job seekers.
“In the coming years, careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics will be some of the most sought after in Indiana,” said Rhorer in a news release.
Ivy Tech Community College President Sue Ellspermann says Indiana’s tech-focused schools are not enrolling the numbers of students that will be needed to fill the gap.
“These are not your parents manufacturing jobs. They are high tech, Internet of Things, automation, robotics, I.T.,” said Ellspermann. “There’s so much going on, and we need to let the students know.”
Ellspermann says Ivy Tech has created a smart manufacturing and digital integration associate degree which she says was designed by industry for industry.
Rhorer says the website will be mission critical as it allows users to discover who they are. “Are you a maker? Are you a mover and it really guides you into the career opportunities and paths and into the education that you may need? And how to get there,” explained Rhorer.
Conexus says over the next five years, 74% of firms will adopt automation technologies. Click here to learn about the initiative.