A new collaboration will soon aim to increase the number of advanced manufacturing firms across the state that have integrated digital technologies in their operations.

Ivy Tech Community College and Conexus Indiana announced the details on Wednesday.

The partnership calls for the creation of new skills training courses that Ivy Tech will pilot for employers seeking to develop specialized talent that can drive digital adoption and technology change in advanced manufacturing.

A report from Conexus Indiana in 2022 found that half of all advanced manufacturing firms in the state plan to adopt technologies that provide flexibility, improve quality, facilitate innovation and offer a mix of labor and automation by 2027.

However, finding local people with the skills needed may be a barrier.

Ivy Tech will be developing more high-quality curriculum in order to prepare Hoosiers for advanced manufacturing careers, and they’ll conduct site visits and issue surveys to make sure courses are aligned with employer needs.