A recent national survey reveals that 80% of manufacturing companies list employee recruitment as a major concern. Two Indiana organizations are combining forces to seek a solution for Hoosier businesses and young people seeking successful careers.

The mission of Conexus Indiana is to position Indiana as the global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Indiana INTERNnet, an online program managed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, connects high school and college students with Hoosier employers for valuable internship experiences.

With as many as 50% of interns eventually going on to full-time employment with their host organizations, the two are teaming up to promote career connections in advanced manufacturing and logistics.

“There are many high-tech, high-paying jobs available in advanced manufacturing and logistics today – but unfortunately these industries aren’t always top of mind among students,” said Carol D’Amico, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “Through this partnership with Indiana INTERNnet, we want to expose young people to these opportunities early on and get them thinking about careers in these growing sectors.”

Pam Norman, Indiana INTERNnet executive director, added, “We’re pleased to partner with Conexus on this important initiative. The internship component is core to what Indiana INTERNnet does every day – making Indiana students aware of developing career opportunities and matching them with appropriate employers.”

The advanced manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics industries are at the forefront of the state’s economic efforts. Recruiting and retaining a highly talented workforce is essential to expanding the already strong economic impact and growth potential.

“Manufacturers and logistics companies demand a skilled workforce,” D’Amico said. “Conexus aims to bring more workers into the pipeline, and internships are an important piece of the puzzle.”

Manufacturing and logistics are the foundation of Indiana’s economy. Consider the following:

• Advanced manufacturing employs nearly 575,000 people statewide, with more than 250,000 working in logistics. Together, they account for 27% of Indiana jobs and nearly one-third of gross state product and tax revenues
• Since 2005, Indiana has seen approximately $4.3 billion in manufacturing and logistics investment (according to deals tracked by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation), which will ultimately create nearly 30,000 new jobs
• Growth in manufacturing output is also driving logistics, with domestic freight volume expected to double by 2035
• Manufacturing and logistics jobs in Indiana pay an average of 33% above the state’s per capita income

Indiana INTERNnet will be conducting three employer workshops across the state (in Evansville, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis) and work directly with advanced manufacturing and logistics companies to design new or augment existing internship programs. High school and college students from the current INTERNnet database of more than 11,000, as well as educators, throughout Indiana will be made aware of the internship possibilities and career options in these industries.

Additional information about the partners can be found at www.conexusindiana.com and www.indianaintern.net.

###

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has been the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy organization for 86 years. The more than 4,800 member companies employ 800,000 Hoosier workers.