FISHERS, Ind. -- Displaced workers in central Indiana will be trained for well-paying jobs in information technology with help from Ball State University and Hamilton County WorkOne.

A federally funded training site at 10022 Lantern Road in Fishers officially opened Nov. 7 with a mission to provide more skilled workers for Indiana's growing IT industry.

The site is a partnership linking Ball State's Center for Organizational Resources (COR) and the new Hamilton County WorkOne office in Fishers.

WorkOne offers career development and placement services such as resume development, Internet access, personal assessment and job search training. Personal computers, reference materials, fax machines and telephones also are available for job seekers.

"The challenge for employers is to retain a committed workforce, especially in the information technology industry," said Stephanie Huffman, assistant director of COR in Ball State's School of Continuing Education and Public Service.

"Technology has become the focus of economic development for higher-wage jobs both nationally and globally, and we will play a major role in helping Indiana address the critical need for skilled information technology workers," Huffman said.

Ball State recently received more than $1.1 million in federal grants to offer information technology training programs for 300 eligible dislocated workers in the Indianapolis area and Muncie during the next two years.

Funds include $927,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor and $231,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

IT training programs in Fishers and Muncie will target white- and blue-collar workers in central Indiana who qualify for services under the federal dislocated worker program.

Sites in Hamilton County and Delaware County were chosen for the training because of their proximity to the displaced worker population and potential job markets.

The Fishers site is endorsed by the Interlocal Association, Circle-7 Workforce Investment Board, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Ivy Tech State College, Fishers Chamber of Commerce and Fishers Town Council.

Jeff Williams, chairman of the Circle-7 Workforce Investment Board, commented: "The WorkOne-Ball State University information technology training program for dislocated workers is an outstanding example of how the board implements its mission of connecting workforce needs with available resources to improve the regional economy."

The training will support the state's economic development efforts as Indiana faces increasing numbers of workers displaced from an aging, traditional manufacturing economy.

"This important partnership will leverage state and federal resources to assist a vital industry," said Craig Hartzer, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "The certifications available through this program will prepare workers for the future demands of the new economy."

Information technology training will give displaced workers national IT certifications and Ball State certificates in computer hardware and software skills.

Other classes will enhance participants' overall employment skills, allowing them to re-enter the workforce at wage rates comparable to their previous earnings. Those skills include listening, team building, problem solving and leadership.

Ball State professors David Hua, industry and technology, and Daniel Jones, business and information technology, are the primary course designers and instructors.

"We are committed to providing information technology training sites in Muncie and Fishers in order to create a bridge between Indiana's dislocated worker population and the growing number of IT-related positions," said Blaine A. Brownell, president of Ball State.

The information technology training supports Ball State's 2001-2006 Strategic Plan, whose sixth goal focuses on expanding relationships beyond the campus through economic development efforts, community programs and entrepreneurial partnerships.

COR serves more than 7,500 individuals and organizations each year by using its staff, Ball State faculty members and a statewide network of professionals to provide workforce development programs and services.

By Ted Buck, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Stephanie Huffman of Ball State's Center for Organizational Resources at (765) 285-2771 or shuffman@bsu.edu.)