PARTNERSHIPS:
FUTURE OF WORK
Generating Solutions for 21st Century Workforce Needs
With continuous advancements in technology, work will soon look very different. Local leaders predict nearly every job will be impacted by technology, automation, advanced cloud computing, or artificial intelligence. With changes coming, it’s imperative for humans to learn how to work with evolving technologies.
Future of Work, a collaborative community initiative based in East Central Indiana, was strategically created to build better linkages between K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions, local employers, and workforce development programs to prepare for these 21st century workforce needs. Local partners are currently working together through the Future of Work to improve STEM education, provide opportunities for students and residents to learn about advanced manufacturing, promote project-based learning in collaboration with local businesses, and engage in person-centered workforce development.
Ball Brothers Foundation has supported Future of Work efforts since 2017, having awarded special funding totaling $1.6 million to related programs.
“The way we increase our curiosity about what’s possible, increase our connection to each other and to new ideas, and increase our purpose both in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it—these are the ways we can help shape the future of work into something we’re really excited about.”
Take a look at how Future of Work is impacting the community and our future generations of workers.
In an effort to build direct linkages between K–12 schools, post-secondary institutions, and employers, Muncie Central High School students toured Magna PowerTrain and Mursix Corporation in 2019, allowing students to see advanced manufacturing in person and talk to employees directly about the work they do. These tours helped to pique high school students’ interest in participating in new dual credit classes that give students a competitive edge in obtaining a related degree or certificate from Purdue Polytechnic or Ivy Tech.
Sustainable Muncie and Purdue Polytechnic worked with more than a dozen schools across Delaware, Madison, Jay, and Hancock Counties to create an East Central Indiana VEX Robotics league, which provides students with the opportunity to design and build robots for competition, practicing STEM concepts firsthand.
In the summer of 2019, Ivy Tech, PhyxtGears, Purdue Polytechnic, Sustainable Muncie, and others partnered to host a STEM camp for more than 60 middle school and high school girls. The camp allowed the girls to try their hand at equipment in the robotics lab, engage in a design/thinking workshop, and build rockets.
Purdue Polytechnic Institute Anderson launched an apprentice program in partnership with Magna PowerTrain, a local advanced manufacturing employer. Partnerships like these support local employers by building a pipeline of future employees and strengthening the skillsets of existing employees.
Additional physical spaces in Madjax have been created to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in children, youth, and adults. For example, Ball State University students and local businesses collaborate to prototype and fabricate products in MadJax.
“I Am the Future of Work,” a video series featuring interviews with local advanced manufacturing employees, provides students with an intimate glimpse into local career opportunities.
Future of Work News
The future of work is changing. Soon—perhaps by the time the next generation of employees enter the workforce—nearly every job will have been impacted by technology, automation, advanced cloud computing or artificial intelligence, said Corey Sharp, director of Purdue Polytechnic Institute Anderson.