In recognition of the drastic decline among women in the workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board announced today it has created an initiative to get women back into the job market. 

Women in the Workforce provides female job seekers with a personalized, one-stop source to the many resources available to them in re-entering the workforce. Women in western Indiana are encouraged to visit one of the area’s six WorkOne Centers to gain new skills, explore education offerings, access training grants, and connect with new employers. These services are offered free of charge to all Indiana residents.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, there are nearly 2 million fewer women in the workforce since February 2020. Women exited the workforce to care for children, homeschool, or care for elderly family members during the pandemic. Meanwhile, employers have struggled to find qualified workers, leading to disruptions across all sectors of the economy.

“In western Indiana, we have an abundance of open and flexible positions, many of which do not require a four-year degree,” said Lisa Lee, executive director, Western Indiana Workforce Development Board, Inc. “Women and their families have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and we want them to understand the WorkOne Centers are here for them. When women succeed, our families and communities succeed.” 

Women in the Workforce is funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. It is unique to western Indiana, and was developed by the team at the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board.

While the most in-demand positions are in the manufacturing, construction and health care sectors, WorkOne officials encourage women to make an appointment to see what jobs are the best fit.

“Our WorkOne specialists partner with our clients to find jobs that lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers,” Lee continued. “We encourage women in our communities to take that first step and meet with a WorkOne specialist to learn more about the many options they have in going back to work. We also  are grateful to the State of Indiana for their support of and belief in our efforts to get more women back into the workforce.”

WorkOne Western Indiana serves Hoosier workers and employers in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo Counties.

To learn more, visit www.workonewest.com.