JETS honored with Mira Award for Education Impact
Vic Oberhausen, chief human resource officer for JobWorks, Inc., accepts the Mira Award on behalf of JobWorks Education and Training Systems who was named Best of Tech Winner 2023 in the category of Education Impact.
FORT WAYNE – JobWorks Education and Training Systems (JETS) was named “Best of Tech” at TechPoint’s Mira Award ceremony in April. The annual event highlights the best in Indiana tech across several areas. JETS won a Mira award in the Education Impact category, along with 17 other award winners in their respective categories.
“The Mira Awards have always represented the best in Indiana tech, and this year we’re diving deep into talent development and digital innovation because both are economic growth imperatives,” said Ting Gootee, president and CEO of TechPoint. “Fortunately for us, the Indiana tech community is one that responds collaboratively to challenges, and we celebrate that tonight with examples of talent, innovation and entrepreneurship endeavors that will have ripple effects for generations to come.”
Tech positions in Indiana are growing in demand while the supply to fill these positions continues to fall short. This need spurred TechPoint’s Mission41K initiative in 2022, a collaborative effort to add 41,000 Hoosiers to the tech workforce by 2025.
JETS plays an important role in this mission. With nearly 40 years of traction behind it, the organization is helping Hoosiers prepare for and find employment in tech roles. JETS is the training division of JobWorks, Inc., a national workforce development organization based in Fort Wayne – JobWorks provides innovative workforce, education, and consulting solutions for people, businesses and communities. Through online classes, innovative, virtual learning materials and a supportive, motivating approach, the vision to open doors to greater employment opportunities has been applauded.
“Our virtual boot camps have produced life-changing impact for students by connecting them to in-demand tech credentials and jobs across Indiana and beyond,” said John Casella national director for JETS. “This has particularly helped those who are not often given the opportunity to work and thrive in the IT industry.”
Despite entering the organization’s program with no prior tech training, 85 percent of its employed graduates hold tech positions, earning more than $19 an hour on average, an increase of about 25 percent over their pre-program wage on average. Most students are traditionally underrepresented in technology, including those who are Black and Brown, women, and veterans.
According to TechPoint’s press release, the Mira judges were “impressed by both the mission and JETS’ 80 percent graduation rate. Perhaps even more telling, is the fact that employers who hire JETS alumni for the first time frequently contact the team asking if there are other available graduates for them to hire.”
“We are honored to not only receive this award, but to know the work we do impacts the lives of those we serve,” said Tom Kavanagh, chief operating officer for JobWorks, Inc. “The programs offered through JETS means real possibilities for Hoosiers looking to grow their careers and establish new ones. It’s rewarding work.”
TechPoint is the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, visit www.techpoint.org.
For more information about JobWorks Education and Training Systems, visit www.trainwithjobworks.com
