Nearly 3,000 Indiana students to explore career pathways at LENS Apprenticeship Showcase

Nearly 3,000 high school students from across Central Indiana are expected to explore emerging careers, connect with employers and discover paid apprenticeship opportunities during the LENS INCAP Apprenticeship Showcase, November 12–13 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Funded by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and hosted by the Indy Chamber, the two-day event brings students face-to-face with industry professionals through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences designed to connect classroom learning with real-world careers. The showcase will feature opportunities across nine industries participating in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, including advanced manufacturing and logistics, banking/financial services, construction, culinary, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, life sciences and tech/IT.

As Indiana prepares for more than 100,000 projected new jobs by 2033, initiatives like LENS are helping employers engage earlier in the talent pipeline while introducing students to career pathways they may not have previously considered.

"Building a strong workforce requires us to think beyond today's job openings and invest in the talent our businesses will need tomorrow," said Macy Harmon, Senior Director of Talent & Workforce Development at the Indy Chamber. "LENS gives students a chance to discover career possibilities firsthand while creating opportunities for employers to play an active role in developing the next generation of talent."

Throughout the showcase, students will rotate through industry-focused zones, participating in interactive activities and connecting directly with employers and industry professionals. Each student will have approximately 75 minutes to explore multiple career areas, gaining insight into the skills, experiences and opportunities available through different industries.

A central focus of LENS is introducing students to paid, multi-year apprenticeship opportunities available through INCAP that begin in 10th or 11th grade and enable students to graduate with a diploma and industry credentials, along with college credits. The new pathway offers an additional option to prepare for in-demand careers, combining classroom instruction with practical workplace experience and creating more opportunities for students after they finish high school.

The showcase also highlights the growing momentum behind INCAP, which is funded by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and led by CEMETS iLab Indiana. Modeled after Switzerland's apprenticeship system, INCAP aims to equip 50,000 Hoosier students by 2034 with skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

“Young people need more opportunities to see the range of careers available to them and understand the different paths they can take to get there,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, President & CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. “Through the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, students develop skills through a combination of meaningful work experience and classroom learning that prepares them for rewarding careers. At the same time, Indiana employers develop the talent they need for the future.”

For employers, early engagement with students represents an opportunity to help shape the future workforce, introduce young people to evolving occupations and strengthen the long-term talent pipeline. For students, these experiences make career possibilities more accessible and demonstrate how education and employment can work together.

"Students can't pursue opportunities they don't know exist," Harmon added. "By connecting young people directly with employers and meaningful career experiences, we're helping them envision what's possible while strengthening Indiana's future workforce."

The LENS INCAP Apprenticeship Showcase will take place November 12–13 at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.