LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of War-supported national manufacturing innovation institute, today announced the launch of Operation Next in Indiana. This bold workforce development initiative expands on a proven national model designed to empower military veterans by providing specialized training for high-demand civilian careers.
The new Hoosier State initiative, funded by the Department of War Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, brings together a strong coalition of state, academic, national, and regional partners. Led by LIFT, the program includes Vincennes University, Hiring Our Heroes, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, INvets, Aidex and WorkOne in a coordinated effort spanning recruitment, technical training, career preparation, and employer placement.
To combat a critical deficit of credentialed technicians in specialized fields across Indiana’s 540,000-strong manufacturing workforce, the pilot will fund an accelerated, six-month learning cohort for 25 veterans located at the MADE@Plainfield Center and Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, Indiana.