March 2000
Crossroads Technology Group
A facility directed at solving the ongoing problem of finding qualified employees for existing businesses while helping new businesses to flourish is now taking shape in Plymouth.
Crossroads Technology Group is a joint effort among PIDCO, the Plymouth Economic Development Corporation, the Plymouth Community School Corporation and Ancilla College, among other groups to focus on the evolving technologies industry.
The Crossroads Technology Center will serve four basic functions:- Provide training for high school students in such programs as Cisco Network Administration and A-plus Computer Repair. Students would receive both graduation credits and certifications in the related programs. The curriculum for this training can be changed to reflect the specific to the needs of area industries.
- Provide training for adults, through both employer-based and individual certification programs, as dictated by the industrial/market needs. It is planned to establish a scholarship system for those wanting to take the classes individually.
- Establish an incubator to assist startup technology businesses to grow while keeping initial costs low. The facility would include conference facilities, high-speed data access, receptionist services, voice mail, etc. Home-based businesses will also be able to access the incubator’s services for a regular monthly fee.
- Provide expansion space to existing technology-based businesses that need to use the incubator’s services. Existing businesses will be able to take advantage of the communal atmosphere established by a centralized technology center.
Initial funding for the program will come from a $100,000 Build Indiana grant and vocational education funds available through the state. Other grants and funding mechanisms, including private financing, are being studied as the center advances.
Up to 35 workstations will be available at the training site. Through the establishment of both high school and adult technology programs, Crossroads will be able to meet existing and future needs of area industry.
The partnership between the Plymouth Community School Corporation and Ancilla College will allow for a greater flexibility in the curriculum, which can be adjusted as market needs dictate.
Area business and industry are being asked to contact the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce with the specific educational needs since the training center will be the first priority of the Crossroads group. Plans now call for the high school portion to begin operation in August.
People can either e-mail their requests to the chamber at dca@dnsonline.net or fax them to
219/936-6584.
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