Looking for Workers in Rush County? 5 Ways ECDC Can Help Your Business

Rush County workforce development starts with helping local employers find, train and retain the people they need to succeed.

Whether you are trying to fill one position, preparing for growth, struggling to find applicants with the right skills or simply trying to get the word out about your opportunities, you do not have to tackle workforce challenges alone.

Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation (ECDC) operates the local WorkOne office at the Rush to Work Job Center through its workforce services contract. This gives ECDC a unique role in Rush County: economic development and workforce development are connected under one roof.

For local employers, that means you can bring us a workforce challenge—not just a request for a specific program—and we can help identify the resources, partners and strategies that may help.

Here are five ways we can support your workforce needs.

1. We Can Help Promote Your Job Openings

Sometimes the first challenge is simply getting your opportunity in front of the right people.

Through the Rush to Work Job Center, WorkOne services and ECDC’s local workforce connections, we can help Rush County employers increase awareness of their job openings and connect with people who are actively looking for work.

Depending on the position and the employer’s needs, that may include connecting openings with WorkOne resources, sharing opportunities through local workforce networks and helping direct job seekers toward available positions.

Our goal is not simply to generate more applications. It is to help create better connections between Rush County employers and people who may be a good fit for their jobs.

2. We Can Help With Recruitment and Hiring Events

When an employer needs to hire several people—or needs more focused recruiting support—a hiring event can be an effective option.

As the operator of the local WorkOne office, ECDC can work directly with Rush County employers on recruitment needs and connect them with additional WorkOne and regional workforce resources when appropriate.

The Rush to Work Job Center also provides a local setting where employers and job seekers can connect.

Depending on an employer’s needs, workforce assistance may include recruitment events, job fairs, interviewing opportunities, job-posting assistance and other customized hiring activities.

Instead of trying to organize every part of a hiring effort on your own, start by telling us what you need.

3. We Can Connect You With Training and Workforce Resources

Sometimes the workforce challenge is not finding people—it is finding people with the right skills.

That is where workforce development becomes especially important.

ECDC works with WorkOne, educational institutions, training providers and regional workforce partners that may be able to help employers identify training resources for new or existing employees.

Depending on eligibility, employer needs and available funding, workforce programs may support training, skill development or other strategies designed to strengthen an employer’s workforce.

Programs and funding change over time, so employers should contact us before assuming that a particular resource is—or is not—available.

If we do not provide the service directly, we can often help connect you with the organization that does.

4. We Can Help Build Your Future Workforce

Employers need workers today, but Rush County also needs to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

ECDC works with local schools, employers and community partners on talent-development initiatives that help young people learn about careers available in our community.

Programs such as Manufacturing Day, Teacher Impact Tours and other employer-school partnerships give students and educators greater exposure to local industries, occupations and career pathways.

Employer participation is an important part of that work.

A student cannot consider a career they do not know exists.

By opening your doors, speaking with students, participating in career events or helping educators better understand your industry, your business can help build awareness of local career opportunities long before someone begins filling out job applications.

5. We Can Help You Find the Right Workforce Partner

Workforce programs can be complicated.

Employers may hear about WorkOne, training grants, schools, apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning programs, state resources and regional organizations without knowing which one actually applies to their situation.

Because ECDC is involved in both economic development and the operation of the local WorkOne office, employers do not have to figure out which system to call first.

Start with the workforce challenge you are facing.

If your company is having difficulty recruiting, experiencing a skills gap, preparing for expansion, trying to connect with students or looking for training resources, we can help determine the appropriate next step.

Sometimes we can help directly.

Other times, our most valuable role is making the right connection.

Start With a Conversation

There is no single workforce solution that works for every employer.

A manufacturer hiring skilled technicians has different needs than a healthcare provider, small business, construction company or service employer.

That is why we encourage Rush County employers to start with a conversation.

Tell us:

• What positions are you trying to fill?
• What skills are difficult to find?
• Are you experiencing turnover?
• Are you planning to expand?
• Do you need help connecting with students or future workers?
• Are you interested in training resources for your current workforce?

The sooner we understand what you need, the sooner we can help identify possible solutions.

Need Workforce Assistance?

Rush County employers who need assistance with recruiting, workforce development, training connections or other employment needs are encouraged to contact Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation or visit the Rush to Work Job Center.

Rush to Work Job Center / WorkOne – Rushville
306 N. Main Street
Rushville, Indiana 46173

Tell us what workforce challenge you are facing. We will help you determine the best place to start.