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ARPA Funds , Lincoln , Training , Workforce

Future-Ready Workforce Initiative Announced During Workforce Week

February 27, 2025
Jon Kisby, center, speaks at the podium during the Mayor's press conference.
Left to right: Roy Lamb, IBEW Local 265 member and director of training at the Lincoln Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center; Dylan Wren, City of Lincoln Workforce administrator; Jon Kisby, SCC Milford Campus associate vice president; Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird; Ron Runyan, Visual Mechanical owner; and Sandra Washington, Lincoln City Council chair.

Southeast Community College announced its role in the Future-Ready Workforce Initiative which was launched by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Thursday, Feb. 27. The City of Lincoln committed $1.3 million through the American Rescue Plan Act to prepare Lincoln’s workforce by focusing on high-demand industries and creating pathways for success. SCC will partner with the American Job Center to implement the training in order to equip local industries with the skilled workforce they need.

“This is an exciting and crucial step forward in providing the skilled workforce Lincoln needs to build, maintain and empower the infrastructure and transportation destinations for our city,” said Jon Kisby, SCC associate vice president, Milford Campus.  “SCC was founded to provide accessible education and develop the workforce for southeast Nebraska. I want to thank the City for choosing SCC to be a partner in this important endeavor.”

This initiative is being rolled out as part of the City’s Workforce Week. The City is highlighting its strategic investment of American Rescue Plan Act funds into workforce development. These initiatives have helped over 1,400 community members gain new job skills, earn credentials or start high-wage careers.

“We know that access to a skilled workforce is a top priority for our local businesses,” said Gaylor Baird. “My administration strategically invested the largest share of our ARPA funding on workforce development initiatives. The Future-Ready Workforce Initiative will help prepare Lincoln’s workforce for the high-wage, high-skilled, high-demand careers of today and tomorrow, creating financial stability for our community members and ensuring our employers have access to a skilled workforce.”

The American Job Center will administer the Future-Ready Workforce Initiative. This initiative will provide scholarships to individuals facing barriers to employment, enabling them to pursue training in electrical and skilled trades. Scholarships will cover 100% of an individual’s training costs, including support services. Eligible programs at SCC include:

  • Electrical & Electromechanical Technology-Electrical Technician (Associate of Applied Science and Certificate)
  • Electrical & Electromechanical Technology-Industrial Technician (Certificate)
  • Electrical Fundamentals (Certificate)
  • Electrical Construction-IBEW Option (Associate of Applied Science and Certificate)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology (Associate of Applied Science)
  • Automotive Technology (Associate of Applied Science, Certificate and Diploma)


“This initiative offers a chance for our residents to build skills, earn good wages and fill jobs that keep our city running,” said Dylan Wren, City of Lincoln Workforce Administrator. “Training paths include associate degree and certifications from Southeast Community College or hands-on apprenticeships with IBEW, Associated Builders and Contractors and the Lincoln Electrical Contractors Association. Programs range from three days to two years and we help with costs including gas money, child or elder car, uniforms and tools.”

To get started in the program, prospective participants need to attend an orientation at the American Job Center. More information can be found at: Future-Ready Workforce Initiative Information.

Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu

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