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Gov. Braun drives skills, wage growth in underground utilities with Power Up ETG

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Indiana Governor Mike Braun is helping underground utilities companies across the state upskill and retain their workers while driving wage growth for Hoosiers through the Power Up Employer Training Grant (ETG) program.

Gehring Underground Inc. in Columbus and US Hydrovac Inc. in Indianapolis, two companies whose excavation work has served Indiana for years, have utilized Indiana’s Power Up ETG to upskill and train their existing workforces while delivering measurable pay increases and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Power Up ETG, launched last year by Gov. Braun, allows participating businesses to earn reimbursements of $5,000 per employee — up to $50,000 annually — if they hit specific wage increase benchmarks for their workers.

“The Power Up Employer Training Grant program is delivering higher wages for hardworking Hoosiers and a skilled up workforce for businesses across Indiana, and we want even more companies to take advantage,” Gov. Braun said. “Every Indiana employee should be given ample opportunities to learn and grow, and this initiative is giving businesses the tools to make that happen.”

US Hydrovac used Power Up ETG to fund training for eight workers pursuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL). By obtaining the licenses, the workers were able to graduate to higher paying positions within US Hydrovac’s organizational structure, with an average hourly pay increase of $10. According to US Hydrovac, each of the workers who obtained a CDL through the program have remained with the company.

“Companies that participate in the Power Up Employer Training Grant program are not only upskilling their workers, but they are also creating rewarding, enriching environments that makes them want to stay,” Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said. “Retaining your most talented employees is critical to a company’s success, and this program helps Hoosier businesses do just that.”

Gehring Underground Inc., an underground utilities instillation and excavation company, serves customers across central and southern Indiana as well as northern Kentucky. To get most of the company’s equipment to job sites, Gehring workers must drive trucks and trailers that require operators to carry a Class A CDL. By tapping into Power Up ETG, Gehring was able to train nearly two dozen of its workers to get those licenses, resulting in average wage increases of 25% and licenses that benefit employees’ long-term career paths.

Gehring Underground leaders plan to put even more of their employees through CDL training under a new grant cycle, citing positive feedback from workers who have utilized the program and improved employee retention.

“Many Hoosier workers have the drive, but some still need that helping hand to get the licenses and certifications they need to stand out in the workforce,” said Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Kate Shelby. “The Power Up Employer Training Grant Program creates an invaluable pathway for those employees looking to receive the training and credentials that will put them over the top and enhance their careers.”

To learn more about the Power Up ETG, click here.

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