ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day

Last week, ROI hosted an orientation and signing day experience for students and employers participating in the third cohort of the UpSkill Work and Learn Youth Apprenticeship program.

With the stroke of a pen, 31 new students officially embarked on their journey into the modern youth apprenticeship experience. UpSkill provides selected high school students with a paid job, career credentials, and college courses. Students work for employers in the Indiana Uplands region, and ROI provides support with student applications, interviews, placement, trainings, and ongoing guidance.

The third cohort joins 64 other young Uplanders already working hard and gaining valuable skills in the region through the two- to three-year modern youth apprenticeship experience. Currently, UpSkill has 26 active employers and 13 school partners.

UpSkill offers students the chance to get real-world experiences that are aligned with their career interests. Students can currently choose from five different pathways for their UpSkill job: advanced manufacturing, national security and defense, life sciences, business, and information technology. For employers, it is a way to locally build talent and grow their workforce. 

During UpSkill orientation, students received training on financial literacy, competency-based work plans, professional work etiquette, and soft skills. Students were also introduced to OSHA 10, Project Management, or CompTIA A+ certifications that they will complete through Ivy Tech.

After the orientation, each student proudly signed their UpSkill acceptance certificate, with their supportive employers standing behind them, beaming with pride. This fall, these dedicated students will embark on their exciting apprenticeship journeys, ready to explore new horizons and grow their careers right here in the Indiana Uplands!

UpSkill Cohort 2 Students & Employers