RV workers go back to school with assistance
RV workers go back to school with assistance Save Email Print
Posted: 6:35 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:31 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
29 comments
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Hundreds of former RV workers are taking advantage of some state grant money to go back to school for free. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development announced more than thirteen million dollars in training grants for displaced RV workers. Some area schools are seeing an increase in enrollment and working to accommodate the demand.

Signal Learning is offering a special class called RV boot camp. It's an intense three week course paid for with state training funds. At the end of the course students will be able to start a career in IT with a certification in hand.

Students say working on computers is a nice transition after working in a factory. They still work with their hands yet find the work challenging.

“I've always worked with my hands but never worked with my mind. So it’s a challenge but it’s a challenge I'm ready to meet. I've never failed at anything put in front of me so I will pass this like anything else,” says former RV worker and current student Todd Lewis.

Any Indiana RV industry worker dislocated for their job can receive up to six thousand dollars in free tuition. Hoosiers need to visit their local WorkOne office for more information on how to enroll in an approved education program.

Ivy Tech has also adjusted their courses to accommodate the higher demand from RV workers.

Other popular training options besides IT include advanced manufacturing, nursing, and business.

For more information, here are the following links:

Signal Learning
1-888-473-2969

Indiana Government online
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Posted by: Sandra Location: South Bend on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Thank goodness there are multiple posts about what a rip of Signal Learning is. I thought it was only me who understood what a scam they're running.
Posted by: Laid Off - Non RV on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:48 PM
I am happy that some people who are laid off are getting assistance to better themselves. However, not everyone getting laid off are in the RV industry. I was laid off in October, but started going back to school in August b/c I feared something like this was in my future. Now I am getting no assistance and my family is living on one income and paying totally out-of-pocket for my education. Why is this only available to those in the RV industry???
Posted by: anon Location: mishawaka on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Pleeeez make sure any aliens in this displaced RV workers plan are all legal aliens. It was an illegal alien who got my son layed off. He joined the armed forces to support his family. I'M SO PROUD. MOM
Posted by: Rob Patterson Location: White Pigeon on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:50 AM
As a former Computer Tech and now lied-off RV worker, I must ask why the State of Indiana paying for training with antiquated equipment? I would also like to know just what “certification” will these people leave Signal Learning with? 1. The equipment - PCs, Cabling and testing devices shown in this video are all outdated. They are working with “slot,” type CPU’s (Processors). This type of CPU went out with the PIII – Today’s PCs use a “socket” type CPU. 2. They are also working with CAT5 network cable and testing it with a device that also tests BNC cabling. BNC cable has not been used in over a decade. One would think that these people would be working with wireless networking – both WiFi and LAN. As a future recipient of the financial aid provided to lied-off RV workers, I’d like to know that any certifications coming from this funding will be applicable in today’s IT world.
Posted by: j Location: elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
For Alan, poor guy I hope God chages your small ignorant mind
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Um B, we have opened our eyes, and thus our comments...........
Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Are any illegal aliens getting funding payed for by American tax payers?
Posted by: B Location: Mishawaka on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:24 PM
This money was DONATED, Indiana just didn't hand over 10 million dollars. Get your facts straight people. I am in this class and there is no "meth heads" or what ever you people wanna discriminate against. Its hard working Americans, trying to make themselves better, by furthering themselves not only in education, but life. If you want to b*tch, look at these people who don't work at all, and want to have 10 kids so they can get their bills paid for. Grow up people and open your eyes.
Posted by: a Location: mishawaka on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Displaced RV Worker has several true statements in his or her forum, i pulled the line for FEMA at gulf stream and fairmount homes, i was forced to lie on my application for having a high school diploma as well as technical training after high school for automotive, there were several "meth heads" on my LINE at work which only caused slow production and unsafe work practices which did result in serious injury. my main bitch is the fact that several non deserving drug addicts looking for a quick buck are being rewarded for being lazy!! god bless america and the time for CHANGE is now!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: sturgis on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
how do i put this. the rv industry in northern indiana expecially was a big part of indianas economy. sure it blows that only rv workers get assistance.but those rv workers were the ones who brought alot of money in to the state.sorry not some computer geek selling insurance or even a person in modular home buissness. so suck it up and some day maybe someone will come along and give you a hand if you feel like you need one. talk to your reelected govener daniels about your issues.
Posted by: Displaced RV Worker Location: Mishawaka on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:33 PM
If you weren't in the RV industry, keep fighting for the dislocated worker grant. Most of those that worked in RV industry don't even have the prerequisite of having a GED. I worked at Monaco for 6 years and got laid off after having 2 shoulder surgeries and couldn't weld anymore. There is going to be so much left over money the state got for this. I can't possibly say how unfair it is for people that can't get a grant to better themselves. Not to mention most of the RV workers that worked with lied to their job through urine tests and not telling the truth about them being a felon. I know I can't wait til school starts in January. Good luck to all the non RV workers!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart County on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Why are they getting six thousand dollars to attend school? We put ourselves through college while working full-time and still making the dean's list. We were dirt poor, but we knew that in the end, it would be worth it. We are still paying off student loans. These people chose to work in a factory and now the other half of the working public are paying to put "them" through college. Unbelieveable! It's sad they are laid off, it's alwful, but that's factory life. If we get laid off who will be there to give us $6,000 in college money?
Posted by: Kamble on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
i agree know one wants to take anything away from the RV workers here, but if your gonna try to do something to help misplaced workers then you must help all of them, otherwise its a form of discrimination, and if you look at all the other people who have lost there jobs recently, although they come from many different area's they add up to way more in comparison to the 5000 rv workers...I think if these people got together and hired a law firm the Indiana Dept of Workforce Development would be in some trouble.....Maybe the funds should be made available for all those who can prove to have been laid off or displaced from any ANY job....not just RV workers.
Posted by: Mary Location: Mishawaka on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:53 AM
I agree with Anonymous @ 10:15am. I work 40 hours a week and raise 4 kids. I also go to school taking 2 7week classes every term without a break. Yet, I am not getting free schooling. It is plain discrimination. If you are giving it to one group you must give it to everyone that needs it.
Posted by: a Location: mishawaka on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:33 AM
where the hell is my free training program, rv workers only, this is b.s. in so many ways thank you very much!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
They chose to wok in the RV industry and made real good money when they where working. So why should they be the only ones that get paid schooling?
Posted by: Tina Location: Twelve Mile on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I was an RV worker also. And yes I am going to take advantage of what is offered to me. I will be starting school in Jan. (Ivy Tech) I'm sorry that some of these other places are closing down and they are not getting the help they deserve. But it is just mean and selfish to not be happy for other that are getting the assistants. I believe thats what is wrong with our country today. To many angry people and not enough love. So keep bad mouthing us RV workers and see where is gets you!!!
Posted by: Jason Location: signal learning on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I am one of the displaced RV workers using the grant to begin trainging in the IT field. As for not making 70,000 right out of school, i never expected that. I know that im going to have to further my education after this traing course, but this is a good start. And as for the grant targeting only one group. Our group was targeted for the grant because we all got hit at the same time and within a few months 5,000 people were out of a job. If thats an issue then maybe you should write the congress and not wndu.
Posted by: Ross Location: Granger on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I went to Signal for this SALES pitch, Just think about this, they get 6000.00 per person for ONLY 3 weeks schooling. my question is where do I sign up to get this kind of money????
Posted by: Jim Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Does going to a non accredited school for three weeks and getting a certification paper for it qualify one as an expert. This Signal program is preying on the displaced workers and using government funds.
Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
If it was me, a would put my efforts towards earning a degree rather than waste my money at signal learning. It seems like they may be taking advantage of government money. I have heard nothing but negative information from people who have attended signal learning and still cannot get employment in the IT field. This field in flooded with qualified people. Most are kids right out of high school that have used computers their entire lives. The information technologies/information securities field is where you want to be. Put that money towards a degree, it will serve you better.
Posted by: jason on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:48 AM
As a Computer Consultant business owner, I have tried to hire a few people from signal learning, just for basic break fix work and they had an extremely difficult time with it, I also do not want to discourage people from bettering themselves, but the signal learning commericals are way off base with what they are telling people. I know many of my other friends that own computer business's are really reluctant to hire from there.
Posted by: GK Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Stay away from IT. They want people with a masters degree and to be bilingual, and then pay you ten an hour. The market is awash with over skilled workers.
Posted by: Kandie Location: Koontz Lake on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:42 AM
I am one of the ones that recieved an RV Grant. If you look at the RV industry, it is the highest industry affected by the economy. Have you been watching the news? Maybe you didb't catch how many company's have closed or how many people has lost their jobs. It isn't done yet. Their still may be more company's closing. The Grant will help people get a job. Because in reality there isn't any jobs out their. I am still looking. I go to Ivy Tech though not signal Learning and my major will last a year, noy 3 weeks.
Posted by: Signal Ripp Off on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Be wary of Signal Learning. There already is a possible class action lawsuit against them. Their owner was, owner of Tenex computers who close doors and walked away with millions of money from local businesses. They promise those who are in need jobs making 60 - 70K when in reality, ALL IT Managers in the area avoid signal learning grads like a plague. Their training is terrible, and most end of up with a lot of debt, and NO new skills as they are given brain dumps to pass the tests and have no idea what they are doing. This program to target IT works is a way to get money from the state because they are loosing customers in their career chagne program since almost all individuals realize they can't get a job as they were promised. Hello WNDU did you miss people that have been picketing outside there every once in awhile because they have 30K in debt and no job for 60K... Did I mention ALL of their trainers are former grads?
Posted by: Brody Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Amen Mike! As an IT Director, I find the Signal Learning commercials misleading. You need to research and find average salaries of the position you will be applying for. The overall average of IT salaries ($70,000) is probably pretty accurate, but you will be starting at the bottom and it will take several years to get up to that level. Also, it would be a big gamble to hire someone with 3 weeks training and no experience. Whoever hired these people would have to invest a lot of time to continue the training. Classes are great to get started, but your experiences afterwards are your best teacher.
Posted by: cas Location: warsaw on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:15 PM
I went down there myself,i thought my leg was gonna fall off from being jerked so much.
Posted by: Siege on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I worked my @$$ off at two jobs while furthering my education. Where is my money for free training? I agree with Julie 100%; one group is getting all of the benefits.
Posted by: anon. Location: S.Bend on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Julie, your husband may be able to get assistance from Work One under the dislocated worker program. Call Work One locally or the 800# in Indpls.
Posted by: anon Location: S.Bend on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:27 PM
You can thank Mitch for targeting just the RV workers on the $6000. He made it a point to announce this just recently.
Posted by: Julie on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I'm happy for these displaced RV workers and they need the help. At the same time I have to ask why are they only targeting one group? My husband lost his job due to a company closing after 22 years of loyalty to the company. No one's offering him any assistance or retraining.
Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Just be careful with what the people at signal learning are feeding you. Most IT jobs want experience and at least a 2 year degree. Don't kidd yourself and think you can run out and get a $60,000 or $70,000 a year job on three weeks of training. The IT market is flooded with experienced people. I don't want to discourage anyone from wanting to explore a new career, but I don't want to see people promised jobs with this extremely limited training.

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