Persistence is the key to getting legislatures to visit your program. Michelle Ellis was tenacious, from multiple emails to attending chamber events to tracking down cell phone numbers, and on Tuesday, October 8, it paid off.  A team of representatives gathered at the Wagler Education & Training Center for an insightful tour led by Michelle Ellis, the Center’s Director of Training Programs and Adult Education Coordinator. The guests, including Jan Schuler-Hicks, Regional Director for Senator Mike Braun, Allie Germain, Regional Director for Senator Todd Young, and Donna Lashley, Field Representative for Congressman Larry Bucshon, were greeted with warm hospitality. Each received a package of information: A flyer on Certification Opportunities, a Flyer on Case Study on Enrollment Growth, DWD Adult Education Integrated Education and Training Overview 2022-24, and Indiana Adult Learning Landscape 2022-23.

Also in attendance: Marilyn Pitzulo, Associate Chief for Workforce Strategy & Design, Department of Workforce Development (DWD); Shannon Laurent, Associate Director of Work One Operations; Rob King, Region 8 Workforce Board Executive Director; Susan Neal, Executive Director of Work One Operations and Jennifer Wigginton, IAACE Executive Director. Together, the group was introduced to the expansive and impressive range of training offered at the Wagler Education & Training Center. Michelle Ellis guided them through the state-of-the-art facility, emphasizing its commitment to providing critical skills training that empowers individuals for high-demand careers.

During the tour, Michelle Ellis proudly exclaimed, “WIOAA works, we are proof.” She highlighted the Center’s strong ties with community employers, a testament to the collaborative efforts that underpin its success. These efforts, which extend not only to local employers but also to their local Work Ones or American Job Centers.

Among the highlighted training programs was the Heavy Equipment Operations course, where students learn to operate bulldozers, excavators, and other machinery vital to the construction and mining industries. The tour continued with a look at the Welding and CNC Machining programs, showcasing the Center’s focus on advanced manufacturing and the local employer collaborations, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) training areas, where future healthcare professionals receive hands-on training to support local and regional medical needs. The tour included an overview of the HSE (High School Equivalency) and GED (General Educational Development) programs, where students are equipped with foundational education, helping them unlock further opportunities in higher education and employment. They visited an ABE class led by Hilary Fusco, Director of Adult Education and Adult Education Instructor. The class was having a lesson on history and the importance of being an informed voter. The tour concluded with the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training area, which demonstrated the importance of preparing skilled drivers for the ever-growing transportation sector that allows them to stay local or to work nationally.
During the visit, Michelle and Marilyn Pitzulo presented an overview of the Indiana Adult Learning Landscape and the Integrated Education and Training (IET) model. This model, which emphasizes the combination of basic skills education with occupational training, clearly demonstrated the Center’s innovative approach to meeting the needs of employers and job seekers across the state.
It was emphasized that over 400,000 Indiana individuals do not have High School diplomas, so this is not about competition; it is about clearing up what is being funded.

The representatives left with a deeper understanding of how the Wagler Adult Education Center plays a pivotal role in individual success and the region’s economic growth, supporting industries with a pipeline of skilled and prepared workers. They also have a clearer understanding of what is being funded for Indiana Adult Education, the need for English Language Learners in the workplace, and the digital literacy as a service of adult education component needed in WIOA reauthorization. They also have a visual example of how WIOA works.

Congratulations to Wagler Education and Training Center for its outstanding representation of Indiana Adult Education and to Jeremy and Jessica Wagler for winning the IAACE Business Partner of the Year award.