Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through December 30th to include more job seekers and employers, according to area lawmakers. Indiana is directing nearly $40 million from the federal CARES Act to expand the program's eligibility, offerings and funding caps for Workforce Ready Grants and Employer Training Grants.

More than $20 million of the CARES Act funding will allow a minimum of 10,000 additional Hoosiers to utilize the Workforce Ready Grants when deemed appropriate.

State Representative David Abbott (R-Rome City) spoke of the program's benefits.

"This program offers employees many opportunities in high-growth and high-income fields," Abbott stated, "For employers, it's a way to skill up their personnel, and the process to apply is simple. I would encourage all businesses to take a look and see if it would be beneficial."

In addition, the Employer Training Grant, administered by the Department of Workforce Development, will be temporarily expanded to support more businesses that train new employees, and upskill or reskill workers. The maximum amount of funding available to an employer increased from $50,000 to $100,000, and $5 million will specifically support minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.

State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) said Hoosiers can find out more by visiting NextLevelJobs.org.

"Since it's inception, the Next Level Jobs program has been a game changer in many Hoosiers' lives," Smaltz said. "Employers and employees alike are using this initiative, and everything it offers, simply because it works."

Individuals who have completed a certificate program have seen an average wage increase of $6,400 a year. The Employer Training Grant has served more than 530 employers and trained nearly 9,000 employees.