The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recently contracted with Justin Helman to serve as a Career Coach Liaison. This timely and valuable position was made possible through a partnership between the EDC and the East Central Educational Service Center.
The Career Coach Liaison will connect schools with businesses and help educate the future workforce by raising awareness and providing opportunities for exploration. This position is part of the EDC fulfilling its mission to foster a strong economic environment that supports businesses.
“Connecting schools with businesses and vice versa is a long-term strategy to build community prosperity,” noted Corey Murphy, President of New Castle-Henry County EDC.
Justin’s first step and goal as the Career Coach Liaison is to collaborate with schools and other educational centers to connect and prepare students through the Indiana Department of Education 3E (Explore, Engage, Experience) Grant. The 3E Grant is available through the East Central Education Service Center and focuses on workforce development and talent exploration.
“Employers are looking for motivated team members who are interested in working in our community,” Justin explained. “At the same time, students now can participate in experiential learning and get ready for their next step in life, whether that is a trade, post-secondary education, or military service. I will be working to get these entities together to help our community, our businesses, and our next generation.”
Justin brings four years of experience as a FocalPoint business coach to his role, along with an extensive background as a mortgage broker. He recognizes the value of planning and collaborating to drive success. When asked about his expectations for the new role, Justin expressed his excitement to take the next step in fulfilling his purpose.
“I often think about what advice I would give to my 18-year-old self, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help young people and improve lives,” he expressed. “I believe that this new role is a step in the right direction.”
Justin lives in Middletown with his wife Brittany, a Shenandoah graduate, and their children. He attended Anderson University, is a mortgage loan officer, owns his own business (Helman FocalPoint Coaching), and coaches football at Shenandoah High School. Justin is currently involved in the Henry County Committee Foundation Grants Committee, Secret Families of Henry County Board, Middletown Main Street, and is the incoming President of The Chamber of Commerce of New Castle Henry County and chair of the COC Workforce Committee.
Sports and teamwork have always inspired Justin. He looks forward to partnering with schools and businesses to build a winning plan for the future workforce.
“In college, my coach preached ‘Do the Right Thing,’” Justin shared. “This resonated with me, and I have tried to live by this code in my own life.”
Business owners who are interested in connecting with tomorrow’s workforce can start by completing a brief School-Industry Connection survey. Please share this survey with other business owners.
Justin also invites interested business owners to join the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce workforce committee. For details about how to join this committee, or to learn more about the new career coach liaison program, please contact Justin at jhelman@focalpointcoaching.com.