Includes intentional employment pipeline to cultivate talent, meet workforce demands
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (October 7th , 2022) – Three higher education partners in the Evansville region announce the development of common and collaborative professionalism curriculum coupled with an intentional employment pipeline to cultivate talent, meet workforce demands and prepare students for both short and long-term success in healthcare.
“We’re facing a shortage of healthcare workers not just within our region but throughout the nation,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of the University of Evansville. “Our university is committed to combating this crisis by growing and shaping individuals to enter this rewarding profession and create positive impact for our community. Earn & Learn is an opportunity that will incentivize budding talent and support the needs of Southwest Indiana.”
Earn & Learn (E&L) is a collaborative model between Ivy Tech Community College Evansville, University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville to prepare students for both short and long-term success in healthcare. This unique approach highlights patient experience, student development, and financial empowerment. Available to full and part-time students enrolled in the three higher education institutions with an interest in health and life sciences; the program teaches career readiness and provides industry experience and the opportunity to earn income while learning.
“Ivy Tech Community College is excited to partner to address these workforce demands,” said Daniela Vidal, Ivy Tech Evansville chancellor. “We look at the needs in our community, both workforce and skills, and take pride in making sure we offer the curriculum needed to fill the needs of business and industry in our region. To be able to offer this opportunity is important to not only the two local health systems, but also for our students.”
The program creates an intentional employment pipeline that fills entry level roles to meet the growing workforce demand throughout the healthcare sector. To meet current workforce needs and align students with short and long-term success seven entry level occupations will be piloted for direct student employment. Not only is this program meeting workforce demand, but it is also allowing students to explore career trajectories to make the best decision for their future.
“This Earn and Learn initiative will not only provide employment for our students while pursuing a USI degree, but also will provide many of them with hands-on experience within the healthcare system—opportunities that will serve them well during their education and as they enter new careers,” stated Ronald S. Rochon Phd, University of Southern Indiana president. “We are also excited about the collaboration this initiative will foster within our own institution, bringing together faculty, staff and students from a variety of areas and disciplines across campus.”
Deaconess Health System and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville are the initial providers partnering in the Earn & Learn initiative. Both providers have committed to streamline the hiring and onboarding process for Earn & Learn participants and to collaborate with the higher education institutions in immersive experiences focused on professionalism. This is another example of our community and region’s commitment to long standing collaboration. The foundational investment to build partnerships between higher education and our healthcare providers continues to present opportunities that help our region prosper.
“We’ve seen the toll the pandemic has had on the workforce, and healthcare is no different. We’re excited to provide students with an immersive experience and play a role in their academic and professional education,” Alex Chang, FACHE, President, Ascension St. Vincent, South Region. “As a pilot hospital, we have already started connecting with students and look forward to sharing the impact this program will make on our community.”
The approach that both higher education and healthcare partners are building will be one that can be replicated and scaled in many other industry sectors. Between the great work of our regional employers and academic partners this group and an expanding network plan to scale and build opportunities for talent pipelines to cultivate the next generation of leaders and workforce for the Evansville Region.
“Earn & Learn will prevent students from being in the difficult position of choosing between earning needed income and getting an education,” said Shawn McCoy, CEO, Deaconess. “Our partnership in the Earn & Learn initiative is truly an investment in the health of our entire region, as the program participants are future employees who will care for our patients, families and community.”
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About the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership:
E-REP provides a comprehensive set of support and services and is as the single point of contact for companies looking to locate or expand in Southwest Indiana. In addition, through effective and ongoing advocacy efforts, E-REP represents a powerful voice in promoting policies that foster a more business friendly environment throughout the region. The regional partnership with the Indiana Small Business Development Center continues with E-REP. As the host of the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), representing eight counties in Southwest Indiana connects Hoosier small businesses with the expert guidance and a comprehensive network of resources they need to start and grow.
About TalentEVV
TalentEVV is a strategic plan and commitment to the bright future we envision for the Evansville Region. It’s about Population Growth, Living Well, Thriving Workforce, and Upward Mobility. It’s about committing to specific goals to improve outcomes and our chance to tell our story and compete for talent and jobs. Community organization including E-REP, Welborn Baptist Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana and the Evansville Regional Business Committee have to aligned efforts to move Talent EVV goals forward.