U.S. Representatives Frank Mrvan and Nikki Budzinski hosted a roundtable July 30 with regional leaders of organized labor, higher education and nonprofit organizations.

They gathered to discuss the federal government’s role in strengthening the workforce through education and training initiatives. 

The roundtable included representatives from the Center of Workforce Innovations, the Construction Advancement Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, IBEW Union 6th District, the Indiana Plan, Ironworkers Local Union 395, Ivy Tech Community College, the Northwest Indiana Building Constructions Trade Council, Operating Engineers Local Union 150, United Steelworkers Local Unions 1010 and 1014 and United Way Northwest Indiana.

“Northwest Indiana is a community of people who work hard to get ahead, and I am grateful that this conversation can focus on the invaluable contributions from labor unions and their apprenticeship programs, nonprofits with dedicated job training resources and technical education programs offered at high schools and institutions of higher education,” Mrvan said in a press release. “This region’s commitment to education and training sends a clear message that Northwest Indiana is not only open for business, but we have the skilled workforce to get the job done.”

The roundtable marks the seventh New Dems on the Road stop to talk about a workforce development agenda for the 21st century economy. 

“As a trade unionist, I know that a traditional four-year degree is far from the only path to a successful career – in fact, programs like registered apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to learn in-demand skills and get connected with good-paying jobs,” Budzinski said. “It was great to hear from union leaders, community colleges and local nonprofits about the work they’re doing in Indiana to expand access to these job training programs, and I look forward to bringing the insights from this conversation back to Washington, D.C.”