Entrepreneurship WithIN Knox County
Cameron Klein (left), Colten Mouzin (middle) and James Hancock (right) introduce LyfePack to Gov. Holcomb.
Student safety inspired the winning concept presented by Team LyfePack at the 2019 Innovate WithIN pitch competition. Students themselves, Cameron, Colten and James wanted to invent something to improve the education system.
“I think in the back of all of our minds, we wanted to do something that could make a significant impact on many lives. Eventually, school shootings came up in conversation, and I think the little light bulb above all of our heads went off at the same time, and we all thought we should try to solve that problem,” recounts James.
Click here to read more about the pitch and the program that played an integral role in delivering LyfePack.
Teaching an Unbreakable Bond
Mr. Martin's 6th grade Virtual Welding Tournament: Champion Evan Bishop, Runner-up Xavier Nusbaum, Finalists Levi Chaney, Skyra Likens and Sunnie Leon (not present for photo).
By 2022, the U.S. will need to fill more than 450,000 skilled welding positions. Dubbed National Welding Month, April is the opportune time to highlight the growing industry and consider how to create a better future for aspiring welders like Evan Bishop and Xavier Nusbaum, champion and runner-up (respectively) of Mr. Martin’s 6th grade Career Development VRTX Virtual Welding Tournament at Garrett Middle School.
After the tournament, the two boys were thrilled to answer some of our questions about their experience with welding:
What is your favorite part about welding?
Evan: "My favorite part was being able to see my scores and learn from my mistakes. It showed me what to do better, and it was a lot of fun!"
Xavier: "My favorite part was being able to put on the helmet and see the world of welding, it was so cool!"
Have you ever welded in real life or just virtually welded? What’s the biggest difference?
Evan: "I have welded before, just a little. The biggest difference is I didn’t have to worry about getting burnt with the hot pieces."
Xavier: "I have never welded, but I want to now!"
Do you see yourself as a welder in the future, or do you see yourself as something else?
Evan: "Yes, definitely a welder."
Xavier: "I definitely want to weld, and be a part of the Career Development Program."
Garrett’s Career Development program integrates skilled trades education with hands-on experience to prepare students like Xavier and Evan for future opportunities in high-paid manufacturing and construction processes like welding. Introducing students to potential careers at an earlier age better prepares them for successful secondary and post-secondary education and career pathways.
Building a Skillful Indiana
 The Skillful Governor’s Coaching Corps, a partnership of Skillful and the State of Indiana, is a new intensive program that recognizes the vital role career coaches play in bridging the gap between individuals and employers, supporting economic growth across the state, and guiding professional advancement for thousands of Hoosiers.
Over the next eight months, this free statewide program will provide 35 talented career coaches from all 12 workforce regions with in-depth skills development, one-on-one leadership coaching, and access to a network of peers and leaders in high-demand, high-wage industries via a series of retreats and webinars.
Additionally, workforce professionals and career coaches can register for the free upcoming online Skillful Indiana Coaching Community of Practice, which creates opportunities for coaches to network, share, and learn from each other while they explore new resources and methods for helping clients. Learn more and access community, resources and the Skillful Governor’s Coaching Corps learnings online at skillful.com/career-coaches.
Contact Us
Have an interesting story or event you would like us to share? Email our communications coordinator, Amber Robinson, at ARobinson1@cct.in.gov.
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