Building LaGrange County’s Workforce
A key pillar of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, connecting businesses, schools, and job seekers through real-world opportunities and workforce solutions
995
Employers
25,000+
Jobs
Countless
Opportunities
About the Chamber's Next Level Workforce Initative
Next Level Workforce is a key pillar of the LaGrange County Chamber’s Strategic Plan, connecting local businesses, schools, and job seekers to build a stronger talent pipeline.
Through partnerships with local high schools and the Arc of LaGrange County, this initiative creates real-world opportunities like internships, job shadowing, and hands-on training. It helps students explore careers, supports job seekers, and gives employers access to the workforce they need.
Whether you are growing your team, planning your future, or supporting workforce development, Next Level Workforce is your hub for connections, resources, and opportunity.
Our Work & Initiatives
An exciting opportunity for students to explore the wide range of employment and career paths available right here in our community.
Designed to inspire the next generation, the Expo allows students to:
- Meet Local Employers
- Hands-On Experiences
- Explore Diverse Industries
Job Club
A collaborative workforce initiative in partnership that connects job seekers with local employers through real-world exposure, skill-building, and employment readiness activities. It simplifies inclusive hiring by strengthening employer engagement and turning connections into meaningful job opportunities.
Our Community Business Partners
The Arc of LaGrange County
To provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop their unique potential and encourage meaningful community participation.
Reason to Hire?
- Reduces Turnover
- Improves Productivity
- Enhances Reputation
- Strengthens Teams
- Expands the Talent Pool
- Unlocks Incentives
Providing Employment Services to those in:
- LaGrange
- Noble
- Steuben
- Dekalb
- Elkhart
Contact the Arc Today!
Learn how hiring individuals with disabilities can bring reliability, innovation, and value to your workplace while making a meaningful impact on your community.
How has working with The Arc of LaGrange’s Employment Specialty Services impacted your organization?
Our lives have forever been changed because of working with Billy. His dedication, passion, and commitment make a huge impact.
- Cheri Perkins - Executive Director of the LaGrange County Council on Aging & LCAT
Our Community Educational Partners
LaGrange County Public High Schools
Committed to working together to prepare every student for success beyond graduation by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through strong partnerships with local employers, organizations, and community leaders, we aim to equip students with the skills, confidence, and career awareness needed to thrive in a changing workforce.
Rooted in collaboration, innovation, and community pride, we are dedicated to navigating the future together, ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities that lead to lifelong success.
Business Resources
Northern Indiana WBL Toolkit
Navigating the future together starts here. Explore the Northern Indiana Work-Based Learning Toolkit to discover strategies and resources that connect students, educators, and employers for real-world success.
Available WBL Exemptions
- Certain hazardous occupation restrictions may not apply to minors participating in approved apprenticeship or student learner programs.
- Student learners enrolled in vocational or career training programs may perform otherwise restricted tasks when proper supervision and safety training are provided.
- Registered apprentices may qualify for exemptions when working under approved apprenticeship standards.
- Some agricultural work exemptions exist for minors working on family farms or participating in approved agricultural education programs.
- Work-study and school-to-work experiences may allow limited participation in regulated occupations when all state and federal requirements are met.
- Employers should review all exemption requirements carefully to ensure compliance with Indiana and federal youth employment laws.
