Southwest Indiana Offers a Skilled, Reliable Workforce
The fifteen counties encompassing the Southwest Indiana Development Council's area boast a work force of nearly 300,000 people.
Though the Southwest Indiana region enjoys relatively low unemployment, there is no shortage of labor. In fact, companies seeking persons to fill manufacturing positions are likely to receive fifteen to twenty-five applications per opening.
| County |
Labor Force
|
Unemployed
|
Unemployment Rate March 2007
|
Average Weekly Wage
2005
|
| CRAWFORD |
5,311
|
348
|
6.6%
|
$452.00
|
| DAVIESS |
15,175
|
489
|
3.2%
|
$458.00
|
| DUBOIS |
22,410
|
823
|
3.7%
|
$581.00
|
| GIBSON |
17,597
|
770
|
4.4%
|
$869.00*
|
| GREENE |
17,095
|
854
|
5.0%
|
$493.00
|
| KNOX |
19,461
|
825
|
4.2%
|
$493.00
|
| LAWRENCE |
23,165
|
1,488
|
6.4%
|
$608.00
|
| MARTIN |
5,217
|
232
|
4.4%
|
$867.00**
|
| ORANGE |
9,051
|
573
|
6.3%
|
$479.00
|
| PERRY |
9,836
|
492
|
5.0%
|
$578.00
|
| PIKE |
6,171
|
265
|
4.3%
|
$655.00
|
| POSEY |
14,120
|
624
|
4.4%
|
$796.00
|
| SPENCER |
10,489
|
506
|
4.8%
|
$536.00
|
| VANDERBURGH |
93,328
|
4,674
|
5.0%
|
$624.00
|
| WARRICK |
31,132
|
1,288
|
4.1%
|
$607.00
|
| SWIDC Area |
299,558
|
14,251
|
4.8%
|
$559.00
|
*Gibson average weekly wage is a reflection of Toyota's large investment in the community and generous wage rate.
**Martin County's average weekly wage is a reflection of the large number of highly trained engineers and technicians employed at NSWC Crane.
Source:Indiana Department of Workforce Development, March, 2007.
For detailed labor statistics, visit the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
|
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As is the case throughout the country, there has been a subtle shift from manufacturing to the service industries in the region. However, manufacturing still comprises over 25% of the workforce. The primary manufacturing industries in Southwest Indiana include mining, appliance production, plastics, aluminum, steel, office furniture, and the automotive industry.
The most recent report from the Indiana Workforce Development Department on occupations and starting wages throughout Southwest Indiana can be viewed as a PDF file by clicking here.
Finding Qualified Workers
The Customer Self-Service System (CS3) is the latest technology in matching qualified applicants with the needs of the business community. Access to a state-wide pool of job applicants is provided. Businesses have the ability to list their own job orders and make selections of qualified applicants. Businesses can also contact specialists directly at the two regional WorkOne Centers and Workforce Investment Boards in Evansville and Vincennes for personalized service.
Work Force Development & Training
Training programs are plentiful in Southwest Indiana, many of which can be customized to meet specific employer needs. Both the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana produce engineering graduates who are ready to work, due in large part to their excellent co-op programs.
The new Plastics Technology Center at Ivy Tech State College is one example of how local businesses and educational resources formed a partnership to produce top line machine operators for the local plastics industry.
Vincennes University runs a number of customized programs to assist area employers in training workers and the WorkOne System provides job profiling for industry.
Oakland City University offers alternative programs at eight sites throughout the state.
Community Learning and Training Centers
A number of community learning and training centers have been established in the SWIDC Region. To view a complete list and contact information, click here.
Work Keys Profiling
Work Keys is a service of the Workforce Investment Board and WorkOne. Developed as more than just an assessment program, Work Keys offers a complete spectrum of job analysis, assessment, instructional support, and training services. The program is built around the common skill scale that accurately measures both the skills of individuals and the skills required for successful job performance.
Work Keys operates on the premise that businesses can improve profitability and long-term competitiveness by addressing three workforce concerns:
• Improving the caliber of potential employees
• Increasing the productivity of existing employees
• Reducing the costs of poor hiring decisions and turnovers
For detailed information on Work Keys and how it can benefit your business, contact the two regional WorkOne Centers and Workforce Investment Boards in Evansville and Vincennnes.
Workers' Compensation and Unemployment
The cost of workers' compensation insurance premiums vary greatly from state to state and directly relate to the cost of each state's administered program and the level of benefits. Indiana's workers' compensation program is well-managed and well-funded. Consequently, this important cost of doing business is exceptionally low in Indiana. Unemployment insurance costs in Indiana are lower than in any other state in the Midwest.
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