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INDIANAPOLIS — Filling jobs is a challenge under the current tight labor market so retaining quality people is a priority.
Indianapolis-based staffing company the Morales Group has created the “Grow” program as a result of a competitive job market. Kofi Darku, director of workforce development & outreach, said his company has been looking beyond best practices to develop its own program to find the right people with the right skills to help companies fill open positions.
"There are a lot of better jobs out there and unfortunately a lot of people don't have the skills, the Grow network is helping them grow to have those skills and get those jobs," Darku said.
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Under the “Grow” program, the Morales Group matches people interested in moving up with the training they need to make it happen. People selected must have a proven record of good job attendance, plus a good attitude and aptitude.
Luis Angel came looking for a job initially with limited skills. He is currently working as a forklift operator.
“Based on your performance and attendance you've been selected if you want it and I said yeah. I did the training came back and had a job,” Angel said.
Another key component of the “Grow” program is that those interested are also assigned a success coach to help them reach their goal.
“With the challenge of needing to fill 1 million jobs in 10 years, we can't afford to let Hoosiers sit where they are," Darku said. "Being more proactive creating a pipeline to develop them I think it's going to be the trend."
John Ke has a dream. He's a refugee from Burma who wants to advance on the job but first he's working on improving his English. Language can be a major issue, but some also reject the chance at a new job because of lack of transportation or fear at taking a risk.
Baca Vilchez is a success coach assigned to work with people seeking that next opportunity.
"A lot of people are afraid to do it because I haven't had someone next to them working with them trust issues a lot of times it's one of the biggest barrier,” Vilchez said.
