CWI, Northwest Indiana Workforce Board unveil 2024 report

Valparaiso-based Center of Workforce Innovations released the 2024 State of the Workforce Report on July 17.

Regional business leaders, policymakers and community members gathered for the report’s unveiling and a breakfast at Merrillville's Avalon Manor.

CWI produces the biannual State of the Workforce Report for the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board. The report offers insights into Indiana’s evolving labor market.

The report offered a review of how job numbers recovered after the pandemic. It provided a breakdown of industries with the highest potential for growth. It also analyzed how prepared the Region’s workers are for technologically advanced careers.

The report highlighted the challenges presented by an aging workforce. About 25% of the Region's workers are aged 55 or older. These statistics underscored the need for planning to avoid a labor shortage as older workers start to retire.

Lisa Daugherty, CWI president and CEO, recognized the contributions of the Region’s aging workers in shaping the community.

“As they transition into retirement, we must focus on recruiting and training younger employees to fill their roles and continue their legacy,” Daugherty said in a press release . “This issue is simply too important to ignore, and we believe that the State of the Workforce Report gives us a great starting point for this much-needed conversation.”

Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Dan Peterson, Cook Group Inc. vice president of industry and government affairs. Shelly Moore, Insight Strategic Concepts president and owner, also addressed attendees.

The Center of Workforce Innovations is a workforce development organization. The nonprofit promotes community and business investment in workforce, education and economic development. It provides career advising and operates community learning centers.

The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board is based in Valparaiso. The board is comprised of business, education, labor, community and economic development leaders. They work to develop the Region's workforce.

(Photo by Czintos Ödön – Adobe stock)

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