Indianapolis, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis is taking a major step to address workforce shortages in the construction sector by launching a new short-term training initiative designed to move students quickly from the classroom into employment. The effort comes through a partnership with the Lennar Foundation and aims to provide a faster pathway for individuals seeking careers in one of Indiana’s most in-demand industries.
The newly introduced Construction Skills Training Program builds on Ivy Tech’s established Building Construction Management offerings, but with a distinct focus on speed, accessibility, and direct workforce entry. Unlike traditional degree programs that require multiple semesters of coursework, the new certificate-based option allows students to complete their training in just one semester while earning college credit.
College leaders say the initiative responds to a clear and growing need across the state. Construction companies throughout Indiana have reported persistent labor shortages, particularly for workers with practical skills and safety training. By offering an accelerated option, Ivy Tech hopes to help close that gap while also expanding opportunities for career changers, working adults, and recent high school graduates.
The program is structured to serve 100 students across two initial training periods. Each period will include two separate cohorts totaling 50 participants. To maximize accessibility, one group will attend daytime classes while the second cohort will meet during evening hours, allowing students with jobs or family responsibilities to participate without disrupting their schedules.
The first cohorts are set to begin classes on March 16, continuing through the summer session. A second round of cohorts will launch in the fall semester. After its initial rollout, the program is designed to operate on a steady cycle, with two cohorts starting each fall and spring, creating what administrators describe as a consistent pipeline of trained workers entering the construction workforce.
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday and will cover a broad mix of technical instruction and practical training. Students will study core construction principles, carpentry techniques, and workplace safety standards while also developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and professional readiness.
In addition to earning college credit, participants will graduate with industry-recognized credentials that are widely accepted by construction employers. College officials say these certifications are intended to help graduates quickly demonstrate their readiness for job site work.
The partnership also includes collaboration with the Building Talent Foundation, which focuses on connecting training programs with industry employers. Through this network, students will gain direct access to job opportunities, mentorship, and career placement support.
Each semester will conclude with a graduation celebration paired with a job fair, offering students a chance to meet potential employers face-to-face. These events are designed to help graduates begin building professional networks while exploring open positions in construction and related fields.
Program leaders say the ultimate goal is to achieve an 85 percent completion and job placement rate, a benchmark that reflects Ivy Tech’s broader mission of aligning education with workforce outcomes.
“Our goal is not just to train students, but to prepare them for real jobs in a high-demand industry,” said Mark Richards, dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “This program reflects what happens when education and industry come together — students gain the skills employers need, and employers gain access to a strong, well-prepared talent pipeline.”
Beyond workforce preparation, the program also represents a broader shift in how colleges approach technical education. By offering shorter, targeted training options alongside traditional degree pathways, institutions like Ivy Tech are seeking to respond more quickly to economic needs while providing flexible learning opportunities.
College officials say the Construction Skills Training Program is open to individuals at various stages of their careers. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, switching industries, or seeking to strengthen existing skills, the program is designed to provide a clear entry point into construction employment.
As Indiana’s construction sector continues to grow, leaders say initiatives like this will play an essential role in ensuring that businesses have access to a skilled workforce. For students, the program offers more than just training — it provides a chance to secure stable employment, develop hands-on expertise, and build a long-term career in a high-demand field.
