La Porte County SkillUp funded program provides coursework, lab work and real-world experiences
The SkillUp program and A.K. Smith Career Center provide trained interns and employees in the field of air compression and vacuums to manufacturing facilities throughout LaPorte county and neighboring communities.
Located in Michigan City, the A.K. Smith Career Center provides students an opportunity to learn all about manufacturing through classroom, lab and real-world experiences. The program will help high school students and those enrolled in Adult Education to be better prepared for employment in a technical work environment.
“Every high school in LaPorte County has the opportunity to participate in our vocational programs,” explained Audra Peterson, principal at the career center. “It’s a unique and worthwhile program that allows students who are interested in a manufacturing career to get a head start while earning dual
credits from Ivy Tech as well as their current high school.”
Programs include automotive, construction and manufacturing technology as well as several other options. During the last three years, the career center collaborated with the SkillUp program available through the Center for Workforce Innovations (CWI) and the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB), and funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.CWI and NWIWB provide oversight of the La Porte County SkillUp program.