Workforce & Education
The Southern Indiana and Louisville Metro region’s workforce is prepared, capable, and built for the future. Companies here benefit from a deep labor pool, regional training initiatives, and strong partnerships with local and regional institutions.
From high schools teaching industry credentials to universities producing career-ready graduates, Southern Indiana is serious about building the next generation of skilled professionals. The pipeline doesn’t just exist. It’s aligned with what industries need
Universities and Colleges That Deliver
River Ridge is within easy reach of major institutions like Indiana University Southeast, Purdue Polytechnic, Ivy Tech Community College, and the University of Louisville. These schools offer programs in logistics, advanced manufacturing, IT, business, and more.
Offers workforce-aligned certifications and associate degrees in Advanced Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Industrial Maintenance, Supply Chain Logistics, Welding, and HVAC Technology. Ivy Tech is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary system.
Focuses on applied engineering, computer graphics, robotics, and mechanical engineering technology. The campus is known for producing career-ready graduates for manufacturing and design-heavy industries.
Offers strong programs in business, IT, healthcare administration, and education. IU Southeast supports the professional services and back-office talent that growing companies require.
Just across the river, UofL provides top-tier programs in business, computer science, engineering, and public health. It also partners with regional employers through co-ops, research initiatives, and innovation labs.
Each of these institutions partners closely with employers, training providers, and workforce boards to align curriculum, certifications, and internships with real-world industry demand. Ivy Tech, Purdue Polytechnic New Albany, and Indiana University Southeast actively collaborate with regional employers to develop programs that meet workforce needs in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and technology.
Additionally, Indiana and Kentucky have a reciprocal tuition agreement that allows eligible residents of designated counties in both states to attend participating public colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates. For example, students from several Kentucky counties can attend Indiana University Southeast at in-state pricing, reducing barriers to higher education and strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
K-12 Career Readiness That Starts Early
Workforce development begins before graduation in this region. High schools across Southern Indiana participate in career and technical education (CTE) programs that introduce students to skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, and more.
- Prosser Career Education Center and Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center offer industry credentials in welding, industrial maintenance, machining, and transportation.
- Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate rewards students who demonstrate punctuality, discipline, communication, and team collaboration.
- Ford Next Generation Learning connects high schools to business leaders and creates career-themed academies.
Students graduate job-ready - or with a head start on postsecondary training.
Workforce Development That Stays Ahead
River Ridge benefits from a network of upskilling and workforce support programs that adapt to changing employer needs:
- Southern Indiana Works provides job placement, career coaching, and customized training programs for new and existing employees.
- Skill Up Indiana helps employers train incumbent workers in high-demand sectors.
These programs help companies grow a future workforce while improving the productivity and loyalty of current employees.
Training Built by Employers, for Employers
What makes this region’s workforce ecosystem so effective is that it’s collaborative. River Ridge companies help shape training curriculum, inform certification needs, and partner with local institutions on apprenticeships and co-ops.
Many employers at River Ridge work directly with Ivy Tech, Indiana University, Purdue, and area high schools to build customized workforce pipelines - ensuring their future hires are already trained in the systems and processes they use every day.
A Region That Attracts and Retains Talent
Southern Indiana offers the livability and affordability that keep workers grounded, with welcoming communities like Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany providing everything from riverfront charm to great schools and walkable downtowns. Add in proximity to Louisville’s cultural, dining, and entertainment assets, and you’ve got the kind of work-life balance that helps recruit and retain both skilled labor and management talent.
Whether it’s a technician buying a first home or an engineer relocating with family, this region checks the boxes for quality of life and long-term satisfaction.
Meta’s Investment Includes People
Meta’s $800 million hyperscale data center in River Ridge highlights not just the location’s infrastructure, but its talent strength. With hundreds of construction and long-term jobs planned, Meta is working with local training providers to ensure the pipeline is ready from day one.
Career and Technical Education in Action
The Prosser Career Center is turning high school students into industry-ready workers. From precision machining and welding to cybersecurity and health science, students leave with certifications and hands-on experience that directly match employer needs.
