The Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet says it’s expanding the state’s Next Level Jobs program with $37 million from the CARES Act. It’s a major part of the state’s strategy to help Hoosiers recover from pandemic-related job losses.

Next Level Jobs is made up of two programs: Workforce Learning Grants and Employer Training Grants. As part of the rapid recovery initiative, the state is making them available to more people and increasing the amount they can get under each grant.

With Workforce Learning Grants, Hoosiers can now get up to $10,000 to take classes that lead to certifications in high-demand jobs. The number of certifications that qualify has been increased.

Employer Training Grants, meant for companies to train new or existing workers, are being increased to a maximum of $100,000. And $5 million in CARES Act money set aside specifically for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to get this grant.

Local workforce boards across the state will administer the programs with the additional funding.

Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.