GARY Ivy Tech Community College announced today that the college is receiving $1.05 million from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to launch Major Opportunities, a pre-apprenticeship training program focused on increasing the number of Hispanics and African Americans participating in building and construction trades. Ivy Tech in Gary will receive $399,500 to implement the training in northwest Indiana.

The program will include 111 hours of in-class training in basic math and science skills and work place safety. Classroom learning will be supplemented with an extensive on-the-job training component. Students completing the program will be prepared to pass apprenticeship entrance exams and will have the skills necessary to work safely on the job site. Bill Thon, executive director of Workforce and Economic Development for Ivy Tech in Gary said, “Training will begin as soon we have the numbers, likely in late October or early November.” Training sessions will range from 12 to 16 weeks.

Chancellor J. Guadalupe Valtierra said, “The Major Opportunities initiative supports our current efforts to provide education and job training opportunities to local residents. This program truly illustrates the role that Ivy Tech can play in reviving northwest Indiana’s economy.”

Participants will be recruited and screened by contractors certified as minority owned enterprises. Contractors will screen participants to verify that they are drug-free, hold a valid driver’s license and have transportation. Potential participants will take the Workkeys assessment, provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and a Compass assessment, administered by Ivy Tech, in an effort to place them in appropriate classes.

The Major Opportunities program will be offered at the Ivy Tech Community College campuses in Gary, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Evansville. Ivy Tech anticipates enrolling more than 400 students in the program statewide. Enrollment in Gary is anticipated at 160. Information and registration is available at the WorkOne office at 1776 W. 37th Avenue.