This spring, the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) provided case management training to more than 200 workforce development professionals throughout the state of Indiana. The training is part of a contract between the school and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD).
The purpose of the training was to help case managers in the field of workforce development meet the ever-changing requirements and challenges they face. The five-day program included fast-paced and interactive sessions that delivered the “big picture” of case management, as well as helpful “how-to” tips. Participants included a broad range of case managers, such as Workforce Investment Act adult and youth case managers, IDWD Trade Adjustment Act caseworkers, and Veterans Employment and Training associates.
“Most workforce development professionals enter the field as a result of life’s circumstances and then learn the job in an on-the-job capacity,” said trainer Dr. Frank Lengel, director of Lengel Career Services. “Not that many caseworkers in workforce development have the opportunity to attend any formal training, so programs like this can greatly aid them by providing strategies they will directly apply to their day-to-day requirements.”
The School of Continuing Studies and the IUPUI Community Learning Network work with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to provide up-to-date training and professional development opportunities for employees of Workforce Development and its partner organizations. Nationally recognized trainers lead the workshops, which have served more than 3,900 participants in 72 programs since spring 2001.
“The Indiana University School of Continuing Studies is committed to providing superior training opportunities to workforce development professionals throughout Indiana,” said Nate Klinck, SCS director of workforce development and new initiatives. “Our goal is to offer training programs that enhance the skills of these workers and enable them to increase their professionalism and efficiency on the job.”
In the coming months, Continuing Studies will offer training programs covering such topics as strategies for engaging youth, working with hard-to-serve populations, and integrating service delivery at the local level.
Learn more about the workforce development training programs offered by the IU School of Continuing Studies by contacting Nate Klinck at 317-278-0612 or nklinck@iupui.edu, or by visiting the Web at http://scs.indiana.edu.
STATEWIDE
