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Elkhart County, IN: Building Pathways to a Thriving Local Economy

CareerWise in Elkhart County is an affiliate partnership of CareerWise and Horizon Education Alliance, working closely with the national organization to bring modern youth apprenticeship to one of Indiana’s most dynamic manufacturing regions.

Elkhart County, IN: Building Pathways to a Thriving Local Economy

Apprenticeship in Partnership

With ongoing support from CareerWise, Elkhart County is creating a transformative bridge between education and the workforce, offering students real-world experience industry-relevant skills, and a clear sense of purpose.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Support the future of Elkhart County’s workforce by becoming a sponsor of the Elkhart Leadership Academy’s partnership with CareerWise. This cohort-driven initiative is mobilizing local leaders to create real, lasting impact—and your support helps expand career-connected learning opportunities for students across the community. Join us in shaping the next generation of talent!
Become a sponsor today by contacting Lauren Ulery at lulery@heaindiana.org to get started. A member of the CareerWise team will follow up to confirm your sponsorship and share additional partnership details.

All sponsorship donations in support of CareerWise will be made through:
Elkhart Chamber Foundation Inc
418 S Main St
Elkhart, IN 46516
Memo: CareerWise Elkhart County, Leadership Academy

Apprentice Occupations:

CareerWise Elkhart County collaborates with local employers across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, IT, and business operations to develop apprenticeship pathways that address the region’s workforce needs. From global manufacturers to local community organizations, Elkhart apprentices are building skills in the industries that define the county’s economy.

Interested? Find out more about each occupation here:

Elkhart Occupations

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Business Operations
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Services
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Maintenance Technology
  • Paralegal
  • Real Estate Management

Advanced Manufacturing occupations

Prepare detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design software.

Set up and operate computer-controlled machine tools to make precision parts.

Conduct tests and measure hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, and the environment.

Assist in designing efficient manufacturing processes and production layouts.

Set up and operate machines that mold thermoplastic parts and products.

Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments.

Set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and manual machine tools to produce precision parts.

Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or parts for industrial operations.

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery.

Assist engineers in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and industrial machinery.

Automotive occupations

Diagnose, adjust, and repair automotive vehicles and systems.

Business Operations occupations

Plan and coordinate the operations of organizations to ensure efficiency.

Research market conditions and create digital marketing campaigns to promote products/services.

Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.

Recruit, screen, and interview applicants. Handle employee relations and benefits. Maintain personnel records and provide clerical support for the HR department.

Translate oral or sign language into another language for clients or organizations.

Coordinate marketing materials, social media, and PR activities to maintain a favorable public image.

Plan and coordinate administrative services like records, facilities, and mail distribution.

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects and guide the work of technical staff.

Support sales teams by managing leads, coordinating contracts, and maintaining client data.

Maintain financial records, process payments/receivables, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Construction occupations

Construct, install, and repair structures and frameworks made of wood.

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing or construction projects to aid management in bidding.

Install and repair fiber optic cables and associated equipment for communication systems.

Education occupations

Assist licensed teachers by providing instructional support and classroom management.

Entrepreneurship occupations

General management role involving the coordination of production, sales, or distribution of products/services.

Financial Services occupations

Process insurance claims and record new insurance policies.

Evaluate and authorize approval of commercial or credit loans.

Evaluate insurance applications to decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms.

Handle customer financial transactions and provide advice on banking products and services.

Healthcare occupations

Provide basic patient care under the direction of nursing staff.

For a Culinary track, this focuses on food service management and costing.

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician.

Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital procedures.

Operate X-ray and MRI equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.

Surgical Technologist

Information Technology (IT) occupations

Analyze data processing problems to improve computer systems and enhance system compatibility.

Use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and develop insights for business intelligence.

Use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and develop insights for business intelligence.

Provide technical assistance to computer users and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.

Write, test, and maintain the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run.

Test software or products to ensure they meet quality standards and identify defects.

Design user interfaces and digital products, focusing on user experience, layout, and functionality.

Maintenance Technology occupations

Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations and maintenance of buildings and facilities.

Paralegal occupations

The legal profession needs skilled support staff who can manage caseloads, conduct research, draft documents, and assist attorneys with client work. Apprenticeships in paralegal services prepare students for careers in law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits. Students gain practical experience in legal research, case management, and client communication, and by doing so, build a foundation for careers in the legal field or pathways to law school.

Real Estate Management occupations

Manage the operations of income-producing residential properties (apartments, condos).

Young professional woman using tools to work

About Elkhart County, IN

Elkhart County, Indiana is a dynamic community with a strong legacy in manufacturing and a rapidly growing focus on preparing young people for meaningful careers. Home to a collaborative ecosystem of schools, businesses, and workforce partners, CareerWise partners with Horizon Education Alliance to connect students with paid, hands-on apprenticeship opportunities that build real-world skills and industry credentials.