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Work B.I.G. Cohort 4 Now Forming

The City of Gary continues to invest in its residents and neighborhoods, creating opportunities for participants to gain real-world experience while contributing to community improvement efforts.

If you’re ready to earn, learn, and build a stronger future, complete the inquiry form below and a Work B.I.G. representative will contact you.

Your next opportunity starts here.

Overview

Build Skills. Earn a Paycheck. Help Rebuild Gary.

The Work B.I.G. Paid Skills Training Program is recruiting new participants for Cohort 4.

Work B.I.G. is a paid workforce training program that prepares Gary residents for employment through hands-on work experience, industry-recognized training, career coaching, and supportive services. Participants gain valuable skills while helping improve neighborhoods and support community revitalization efforts throughout the City of Gary.

Whether you’re unemployed, underemployed, changing careers, or looking for a fresh start, Work B.I.G. can help you take the next step toward a brighter future.

Why Join Work B.I.G.?

• Paid work-based learning opportunities
• Tree abatement and vegetation management training
• Career readiness and employability skills training
• OSHA 10 General Industry certification
• Career coaching and job placement assistance
• Supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment
• Connections to local employers and career opportunities
• The opportunity to make a visible impact in the Gary community

Work B.I.G. provides customized instruction, real-world experience, and the support residents need to enter a new career with confidence.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Hold a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
• Have a driver’s license or state ID verifying Gary residency
• Feel confident you can pass a required drug screen

If this sounds like you, Work B.I.G. may be your next step toward a stronger career.

About Work B.I.G. Paid Skills Training Program

• Length of Training: 16 Weeks Minimum
• Wage During Training: $15 Hourly
• Time Commitment During Training: 26 Hours / Week
• In Training: 2 Days / Week
• On Worksites: 3 Days / Week

Training Curriculum Includes

• Career Readiness
• Employability Skills
• Work Ethic
• Professional Etiquette
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health
• Hand Tool Safety
• Hazardous Awareness
• Basic Safety: Focus Four Hazards
• Demolition Overview & Hazard Identification
• Tree Abatement & Vegetation Management
• Mental Wellness in the Workplace
• Financial Literacy
  
  Program participation requires a drug screening. The program is justice-involved friendly. Support services are available.

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40 Gary Residents Graduate from Work B.I.G. Cohort 3, Advancing Careers Through Blight Elimination and Workforce Development

July 31, 2026

GARY, Ind. – Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), in partnership with the City of Gary, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Ivy Tech Community College, and WorkOne Northwest Indiana, proudly celebrated the graduation of 40 Gary residents from the third cohort of the Work B.I.G. (Believe in Gary) program on July 31 at Marquette Park Pavilion. The milestone marks another major step forward in connecting Gary residents to meaningful employment while improving neighborhoods throughout the city.

Work B.I.G. is an innovative workforce development initiative that combines paid skills training, career readiness, and hands-on work experience with blight elimination efforts across the City of Gary. Through the program, participants gain valuable industry knowledge, professional skills, and real-world work experience while contributing to community revitalization efforts.

The success of Cohort 3 is already evident. Sixteen graduates have received offers for full-time employment with the City of Gary, while others have secured opportunities with leading regional employers or are continuing their education and career training. Collectively, 87 Gary residents have now graduated from the Work B.I.G. program since its launch.

“Today’s graduates have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a commitment to building a better future for themselves and their community,” said Lisa Daugherty, President & CEO of Center of Workforce Innovations. “Work B.I.G. is more than a workforce program. It is a pathway to sustainable careers, economic mobility, and community transformation. We are incredibly proud of every graduate and grateful for the strong partnerships that make this work possible.”

Designed as a workforce and city revitalization strategy, Work B.I.G. provides unemployed and underemployed Gary residents with paid training opportunities while addressing community needs through beautification and blight reduction efforts. Participants receive career coaching, industry exposure, employability skills training, and hands-on experience under the guidance of workforce development professionals and community partners. s

“Work B.I.G. reflects what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision for community impact,” said Eddie D. Melton, Mayor of the City of Gary. “These graduates have invested in themselves while helping improve neighborhoods across our city. We are excited to welcome many of them into full-time roles with the City of Gary and look forward to seeing all of our graduates continue to succeed.”

The program is powered through a collaborative partnership among the City of Gary, Center of Workforce Innovations, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Ivy Tech Community College, and WorkOne Northwest Indiana. Together, the partners provide workforce training, employment services, educational resources, work experience opportunities, and supportive services designed to help participants achieve long-term career success.

As Work B.I.G. continues to grow, partners remain committed to creating pathways to employment that strengthen both individuals and the community. With 87 graduates to date and growing employer engagement, the initiative is helping build a skilled workforce while demonstrating the power of investing in local talent.


For more information about Work B.I.G., visit cwicorp.com/workbig or contact us at (219) 266-6229 or workbig@cwicorp.com.

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