Child care, lack of transportation among job training barriers

Times - 6/8/2017

June 08--A new report by the Indiana Institute of Working Families found workers face many obstacles to getting the job training they need in the modern economy, such as the challenge of juggling a full-time job, classes and a family without access to affordable child care.

"In order to reach the state's workforce and economic goals, Indiana needs leadership to better align resources for adult students and to remove barriers that stand between them and post-secondary education and training programs," the institute said in a press release. "The state has made progress in tailoring academic and training programs to workforce demands and made steps toward incentivizing those programs with financial aid. And yet, too many of the would-be students who need these programs most never take the first step because their path is blocked by nonacademic barriers. Many more start but stop or drop out permanently before completing degrees and credentials that would benefit their families and Indiana's economy."

The study found one in three Hoosiers live below the threshold of economic self-sufficiency, with more than 40 percent of those pursuing college or job training struggling with basic expenses. Nearly 27 percent of adult students qualify for food stamps, but only 20.2 percent use them.

Nearly 44 percent of Indiana renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities. Almost half of adult students have full-time jobs and families, with 82.3 percent having at least a part-time job.

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Many without reliable transportation can't better their station in life economically, because only 2.9 percent of adults are able to attend college or job training without access to a vehicle.

The Indiana Institute for Working Families said such roadblocks need to be cleared to ensure a skilled workforce.

"To meet these challenges, Indiana needs leadership from the very top of state government to align policies, break down agency silos and ensure accountability for resources and outcomes for adult students," the institute said in a press release.

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