The Noble County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Northeast Indiana Works have joined forces in an effort to ensure education and training to match the needs of the region's manufacturing sector. Nearly 50 percent of all Noble County jobs and 58 percent of wages are in the manufacturing industry, and a recent study from Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne predicts that the sector will continue to grow at least for the next decade.

The plan is part of a statewide effort to ensure that manufacturers have qualified workers available in the future. Last year, the Indiana General Assembly created regional work councils to that end. In the northeast region, the goal is for 60 percent of adults to have high-quality credentials or degrees by 2025, compared to the current 37 percent.

"The need to align education and training opportunities with the skill requirements of Noble County employers has never been greater," said Noble County EDC executive director Rick Scherck. "If we are to compete in the new global marketplace in developing, retaining and attracting talent, it would be wise to pursue a systemic strategy that involves all of the critical parties."

Much of Indiana's economy rests on its manufacturers, and it is vital that they have a steady stream of new talent ready to contribute. Companies also need to be equipped with adequate enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage their inventory, costs and distribution. Accent Software, Inc., based in Carmel, provides manufacturing ERP software to businesses throughout Indiana and surrounding states, ensuring that the regional manufacturing industry will continue to flourish in the future.