GARY- Ivy Tech Community College began the first class of Major Opportunities apprentices on Monday, December 11 at 9 a.m. The students are part of Governor Mitch Daniels aggressive training effort geared toward providing young Hoosiers and especially minority workers with the skills to succeed in the building and construction trades. The students will increase their employability and will be prepared for future employment in projects created by the Major Moves roads program and by Indiana's surge of new economic development.

Ivy Tech will provide training for two groups in both day and evening classes. The class consists of 20 individuals. The program includes 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.

Participants were recruited and screened by contractors certified as minority owned enterprises. Contractors screened participants to verify that they were drug-free, held a valid driver's license and had transportation and a high school diploma or GED. Potential participants also took 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.

Senator Earline Rogers addresses the first class attending the Major Oppportunities training class at Ivy Tech. The program began December 11 at the Gary campus.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state's second largest public post-secondary institution with over 100,000 students enrolled this spring. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.