INCAP Governance & Impact
Learn how the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway prepares more Hoosiers for promising careers while strengthening Indiana’s workforce.
A Statewide Initiative Built for Indiana
What INCAP Is
The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway offers a new option for Hoosiers to access education and training that prepares them for in-demand careers and for Indiana businesses to build a skilled workforce. Employers lead the pathway, defining the skills and knowledge students need to fill in-demand jobs.
Built Through Statewide Collaboration
INCAP was developed through the work of CEMETS iLab Indiana, a coalition of more than 300 leaders from business, K-12 education, higher education, government, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. Drawing on years of research, collaboration, and lessons from Switzerland’s renowned Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) system, the coalition developed a strategic plan for a new employer-led education and training pathway that prepares Hoosiers for in-demand careers while helping employers meet workforce needs. That work ultimately led to the creation of INCAP.
Advancing a Shared Workforce Vision
Today, INCAP continues that vision by aligning education, workforce development, and industry around a shared goal: expanding access to promising careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce Indiana needs.
Preparing Hoosiers for in-demand careers. Helping employers build the talent they need.
Why INCAP Matters
Indiana employers across many industries face growing workforce shortages, while many students and adults struggle to find clear pathways into rewarding careers.
The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway was created to help close that gap by:
- Expanding access to high-quality, paid apprenticeships and career training programs
- Aligning training with employer needs through an employer-led model
- Preparing more Hoosiers for high-demand careers
- Strengthening Indiana’s workforce and long-term economic competitiveness
Who INCAP Serves
The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway benefits students and employers alike, helping create a stronger workforce and brighter future for Indiana.
- High School Students: Gain paid work experience, INCAP credentials or degrees, and a head start on college or a career
- Adult Students: Prepare for new career opportunities through employer-connected career training that results in INCAP credentials or degrees
- Employers: Build a reliable pipeline of skilled talent while helping shape tomorrow’s workforce
- Schools & Communities: Strengthen local partnerships that connect education with regional workforce needs
How the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway Is Organized
The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway brings together employers, schools, Industry Talent Associations (ITAs), regional INCAP Connectors, regional chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other partners to implement coordinated programs for both high schoolers and adults. The diagram below provides a high-level overview of how these groups work together to connect students with education, training, and career opportunities.
For more information about the governance of INCAP, visit the Leadership & Partners page.
Steering & Implementation Councils
Employer-led councils representing private-sector, state, and regional voices
Provide strategic leadership and oversight, approve new occupations, coordinate implementation, and support INCAP’s growth across industries and regions
Industry Talent Associations (ITAs)
Employer-led organizations that help shape the entire INCAP initiative
Develop occupations and curriculum, align training with workforce needs, and coordinate employer participation
Employers
Provide paid, hands-on training and work experience for both INCAP programs: the Apprenticeship Program for high schoolers and the Career Program for adults
High School Apprenticeship Program
High Schools & Training Providers
Teach classes aligned with INCAP and high school graduation requirements
Regional INCAP Connectors
Coordinate local school partnerships and connect students with apprenticeships
High School Students
Gain paid, real-world experience, valued credentials, and a head start on a career
Option to continue building skills in college or in an INCAP Career Program
Adult Career Program
Colleges & Training Providers
Deliver free, in-person or online classes and training aligned with the program
ITAs
Coordinate Career Programs and connect adults with participating employers
Adult Students
Build in-demand skills, earn degrees and credentials, and advance in their careers
Option to continue building skills through college or more INCAP training