Gov. Braun Champions Workforce Development, Job Training for Economic Growth
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mike Braun continues to advocate for innovative and common-sense workforce development solutions, urging academic, government and industry leaders to collaborate on talent retention and attraction, reskilling and upskilling, and workforce training. The Governor is commending leaders statewide for their participation in the 2026 Indiana Workforce Summit hosted Oct. 14-15 in Indianapolis and their support in creating a highly skilled workforce.
“Indiana’s economy is on a roll, and empowering our strong and skilled workforce will be critical to our continued momentum,” said Gov. Braun. “We are leading on the state level, rolling out new funding and new programs to encourage talent development solutions, but our continued success depends upon our collaboration. Thank you to our partners across the state in government, education and business who are collaborating with us to build tomorrow’s leaders.”
Gov. Braun’s economic development agenda is focused on growing jobs and wages for Hoosiers. Cultivating a robust and highly skilled workforce that meets the needs of Indiana’s employers – both in the short-term and in the future as industries and companies continue to adapt and implement the latest technologies – strengthens the state’s competitiveness in attracting and developing next-generation industries like AI and technology, life sciences, defense, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Today, Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) President Mitch Frazier – the Governor’s recent appointment to head the state’s business and industry development agency – will participate in a fireside chat to kick off day two of the conference. Frazier will highlight the critical connections between workforce and economic growth, provide updates on Gov. Braun’s workforce-focused programs like Power Up, and outline examples of how the state is collaborating with talent partners statewide to attract new investment and grow business.
“A strong economy starts with a strong workforce,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “We’re focused on connecting Hoosiers with the skills they need for high-wage jobs while making sure Indiana businesses have the talent they need to grow. When we get that right, Hoosiers and businesses both win.”
Workforce development initiatives and outcomes that are supporting economic development include:
- Power Up Indiana. Indiana’s economy depends on talent, and in today’s labor market, that talent is already on the job. Today, more than 30,000 Hoosier employers are engaged statewide in upskilling initiatives, and Governor Braun’s Power Up Indiana initiative is growing that number further. Power Up rewards employers who invest in upskilling their existing workforce to meet immediate business needs instead of relying solely on new hires. By supporting training, credentials and career advancement, Power Up helps workers move into higher-skill, higher-wage roles without leaving their employer or community.
- Strategic Pipeline Initiatives. The IEDC works together with primary and secondary institutions, colleges and universities and other workforce partners to meet the needs of existing Indiana businesses and those considering Indiana for growth. Through these efforts, workforce partners are creating customized curriculum, developing new certificates and degrees, aligning K-12 pathways to career needs and marketing in-demand jobs to ensure employers have the talent needed to succeed. These initiatives have helped attract new investment, like SK hynix, and are supporting job creation efforts statewide.
- Talent Attraction and Retention. In today’s climate, talent can choose to live anywhere. That’s why Indiana is investing in its communities through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), creating more vibrant and attractive destinations that draw in and retain top talent. Affordable housing, community services and family amenities all contribute to population growth and an employer’s ability to attract and hold on to top talent.
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