(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana's adult education system has earned one of the nation's highest workforce development honors for connecting Hoosiers to in-demand careers.
Gov. Mike Braun announced the Indiana Department of Workforce Development received the Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies during its 2026 Winter Policy Forum in Maryland.
The award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation and measurable results in workforce programs. Indiana was honored for strengthening career pathways that link adult learners to industry-aligned training and jobs.
State leaders credit the achievement to expanded use of the Integrated Education and Training model, which combines basic education with job skills instruction. Since 2023, the approach has significantly increased access to pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Indiana now has 66 pre-apprenticeship programs operating with 44 partner organizations. Officials say both rural and urban communities are seeing new entry points into skilled trades and technical careers, with statewide availability expected by 2026.
Braun said aligning adult education with workforce demand helps employers find skilled workers while giving residents a pathway to stable, high-wage jobs.
Workforce officials say the program's coordinated effort among educators, employers and workforce boards has drawn national attention as a sustainable model for long-term economic growth.