Education systems around the world are struggling to keep up with technological change, leaving many young people without the skills needed for today’s jobs. How can we change this? This blog explores how Indiana is addressing the challenge by transforming its education system to equip everyone with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.
By Marit van Dekken & Katie Caves
Indiana's Path to Education Reform
Indiana began its journey toward education reform in 2017, when leaders from education, business, and government started studying Switzerland's VPET system. By 2019, Indiana stakeholders attended the CEMETS Summer Institute, followed by the launch of a youth apprenticeship pilot program.
More pilot programs followed so that in 2024, over 450 students are participating in the state’s apprenticeship programs.
But here’s the challenge - pilots aren't enough.
One of the key lessons throughout CEMETS institutes is that we need to think of education not as isolated programs, but as interconnected pathways that open doors to further education or the job market.
So, what happens if those pathways don’t exist yet? Indiana has rolled up its sleeves and got to work, beginning the construction of a state-level professional education and training pathway alongside the existing college (academic) route.
This is, of course, no easy feat. Not even a little bit. It takes a coalition of dedicated stakeholders, careful planning, and strong leadership.
Indiana is up for the challenge.
CEMETS iLab Indiana
In 2023, an all-star team attended the CEMETS Summer Institute and drafted a bold vision and priorities. Soon after, the external page Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation announced funding for the initiative that would truly get the ball rolling: the CEMETS iLab (Implementation Lab) Indiana.
The CEMETS iLab is helping drive Indiana’s education reform by bringing together over 200 leaders from across higher education, high schools, policy, industry, and more to turn the vision from the 2023 CEMETS Summer Institute into real action.
This is more than just planning—it’s about getting things done.
With expert guidance from Prof. Dr. Ursula Renold and Dr. Katie Caves at CEMETS, both virtually and in person, the iLab combines online learning with hands-on collaboration. Committees focus on specific goals, working together to drive reform forward.
The results are already showing: in September 2024, Indiana launched its strategic plan to create a new education pathway, with working groups ready to start the implementation process.
Indiana's Strategic Plan
Priority 1: Establish new talent associations
One of the core messages from CEMETS is that employers' role is crucial for quality in professional programs. Following this, Indiana is establishing talent associations that will give employers a unified voice at the federal level, helping shape education to better meet individual and workforce needs.
Priority 2: Establish mechanisms for progressing up and across pathways
CEMETS teaches that a strong education system should be permeable, with no dead ends. Indiana is taking this to heart by creating a Qualifications Framework that allows students to move between education pathways, ensuring that professional skills are valued just as much as academic degrees.
Priority 4: Define clear roles and responsibilities
A key CEMETS lesson is that successful VPET systems rely on coordinated governance and are output-oriented, with common standards for students. Indiana plans to adopt this approach by streamlining roles and responsibilities, creating a more unified system with clear standards and goals.
What's next?
The CEMETS iLab Indiana project is just getting started and will continue through 2026, kicking off with its top priority: establishing talent associations. Regular meetings will keep the momentum going, and a detailed project plan will outline how committees, working groups, and talent associations will collaborate. CEMETS will continue to collaborate with Indiana leadership and individual commmittees and working groups, supporting Indiana as it refines and implements its plan for a new, permeable education system.
Indiana is setting the bar high for getting things done, and we're thrilled to be part of this journey. We can't wait to see the incredible impact ahead!
The CEMETS iLab Indiana is funded by the external page Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, which also oversees implementation and committee work. external page Ascend Indiana and the external page Indy Chamber offer project management and administrative support.