Avancez partners with Indiana Tech to offer onsite education program for its Team Members
April 22, 2025
Avancez’s Fort Wayne, Indiana facility has partnered with Indiana Tech to launch EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Excel), a ground-breaking, on-site education program designed to advance workforce development and provide Team Members new pathways to career growth. Through the Avancez EDGE program, participants have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate certificate in Production Management from Indiana Tech—at no cost to the student—equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in leadership and operational roles within the company.
“At Avancez, we strongly believe in investing in our people and providing opportunities for growth and development. Programs like EDGE allow us to strengthen our institutional knowledge and facilitate advancement from within,” said Michael Hudson, plant manager, Avancez Fort Wayne. “In addition to these clear people-centric advantages, EDGE will help us enhance our internal talent pipeline while reducing external recruitment costs. This will keep us ahead of the competition in today’s rapidly changing and highly competitive market.”
Through the EDGE program, Avancez is helping to remove barriers to higher education by making it easier for Team Members to balance work, education, financial and personal commitments. Thanks to tuition support through Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant and the company’s tuition assistance program, the certificate comes at no cost to eligible participants. In addition, students can earn their certificate in Production Management onsite at the company’s Fort Wayne location by attending classes one day per week during work hours.
“Indiana Tech is excited to partner with forward-thinking companies like Avancez,” said Dr. Steve Herendeen, vice president for strategic enrollment management at Indiana Tech. “The Avancez EDGE program demonstrates Avancez’s commitment to Team Member development by removing the barriers to education for working adults. This innovative partnership not only empowers Avancez Team Members but also provides a scalable model for other companies looking to invest in their workforce while reducing training costs and improving employee retention.”
As the state of Indiana faces growing workforce demands, Indiana Tech’s on-site corporate education model offers a customizable solution for companies committed to employee growth and business success. Organizations interested in exploring similar partnerships can contact Doug Furnish, senior admissions representative at 260.299.3196 or djfurnish@indianatech.edu.