WARSAW, Ind. (WNDU) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $15 million carpenter training facility, while also addressing the ongoing congressional redistricting debate.
The Central Midwest Carpenters Union broke ground on a 30,000 square foot shop space with an additional 15,000 feet of classrooms. The facility will replace a building that has served as a training center for carpenters since the 1990s.
“When I met Jason (Clark) and saw what the carpenters were doing, this is perfect because right now parents and teachers and kids need to all be looking at alternatives in addition to just being into a college trajectory,” Braun said.
Training facility to address workforce needs
Since taking office, Braun signed a state-wide articulation agreement promoting job opportunities for high schoolers.
Jason Clark, political director for the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, said they are working toward stackable education partnerships with Ivy Tech and Purdue University.
“The opportunities for these kids to have careers and growth and direct entry to fulfill the need in the commercial construction industry, it starts with this type of investment,” Clark said.
The Central Midwest Council has grown by more than 5,000 members in the last three years. The new training facility is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Gary Bricsoe, carpenter instructor for the Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund, said the new facility will help attract and retain members.
“With the high school kids, sometimes the first impression can be everything because they don’t know what they’re walking into — I think that will really help us bring on more members and that will help us keep and obtain those members,” Bricsoe said.
Governor supports congressional redistricting efforts
During his Warsaw visit, Braun was asked about Republican efforts to redraw the state’s nine congressional districts. Many Republican senators have opposed redrawing congressional districts without new census data, while President Trump has demanded Braun and Republican legislators add two Republican congressional seats.
Republican state representatives have supported the president’s wishes, but senators have been more reluctant.
“The House of Representatives are faster footed than the Senate. I think they’re more clear headed on the subject and this is about the national landscape not being fair currently. Six bluest states outside of California have been gerrymandered for two decades, and if we want to play on an even playing field, it makes sense,” Braun said.
When the state Senate initially said it would not reconvene to consider redistricting, President Trump took to social media, accusing both Republican state senators and Governor Braun of not doing their jobs.
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