May 6, 2019 / Vincennes University evolves to meet the skills gap
Photos
of Darrel Zeck’s visit
VINCENNES, Ind. - Apprenticeships and work-based learning
programs continue to evolve as vital provisions toward merging
industry resources with technical expertise.
During a recent visit to the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at
Vincennes, Darrel Zeck, executive director of Indiana’s Department of
Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship, noted that “partnerships are
extremely important and are the best way to enhance work-based
learning around the state.” The goal is to address hard-to-fill
positions, often referred to as the ‘skills gap.’
Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes directly addresses the statewide
skills gap, the oft-repeated concern of industry leaders who want but
are unable to hire qualified employees for manufacturing positions.
Students graduating from Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes over the past
seven years have contributed to the state’s economy, particularly in
the west-central and southwest regions of the state.
According to Zeck, more than one million job openings will be
available in Indiana over the next 10 years, with more than half due
to the retirement of Baby Boomers. Current and future jobs are
“mid-skill and high-skill,” with thousands of jobs left open around
the state because skilled workers are just not available.
To fill that gap, Zeck noted that GEDs, certificates, and associate
degrees need to be attainable so that students can move directly into
the workforce or continue their education to obtain a baccalaureate degree.
During his visit to Vincennes University Zeck toured the
Technology building with Scott Wallace, coordinator of VU’s Precision
Machining Technology program, and Ty Freed, dean of the VU College of
Technology. VU’s PMT program is one of the few in the United States to
offer specialized training in manual machining, CNC machining, metal
stamping die, and plastic injection mold building.
Zeck also spoke with Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes students
about their career aspirations and how their VU associate degrees and
their Purdue baccalaureate degrees will help them achieve their goals.
Information about Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes is available by
contacting Jim Tanoos, jtanoos@purdue.edu, 317-989-7726.
PURDUE POLYTECHNIC VINCENNES
The Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Vincennes is part of a
statewide network that offers the same technology degrees available in
West Lafayette. The benefit of earning a degree at the Vincennes
location is that the intimate setting of the campus provides students
with dedicated, one-on-one attention.
Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes offers a degree-completion program
in multidisciplinary technology. Graduates usually find employment in
business and industry in Vincennes and the surrounding communities. In
addition, Purdue serves as a resource for local business and
industrial personnel who are updating their skills or who need
retraining in technical fields.
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Vincennes University Newsroom
VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom
Manager
812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell,
VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu
MARCIA MARTINEZ, University
Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
812-888-4164
office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom