LIFT Announces “Operation Next Indiana” to Fast-Track Veterans into Advanced Manufacturing Careers

LEBANON, Ind. – LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of War-supported national manufacturing innovation institute, today announced the launch of Operation Next in Indiana. This bold workforce development initiative expands on a proven national model designed to empower military veterans by providing specialized training for high-demand civilian careers.

The new Hoosier State initiative, funded by the Department of War Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, brings together a strong coalition of state, academic, national, and regional partners. Led by LIFT, the program includes Vincennes University, Hiring Our Heroes, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, INvets, Aidex and WorkOne in a coordinated effort spanning recruitment, technical training, career preparation, and employer placement.

To combat a critical deficit of credentialed technicians in specialized fields across Indiana’s 540,000-strong manufacturing workforce, the pilot will fund an accelerated, six-month learning cohort for 25 veterans located at the MADE@Plainfield Center and Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, Indiana.

“At Vincennes University, our hands-on training labs are tailored to give veterans the real-world skills they need to transition seamlessly into high-demand technical careers,” said Jerry Ruble, Director of Industrial Maintenance of Workforce U at Vincennes University. “Partnering with LIFT to implement Operation Next allows us to build directly upon the discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability service members bring, equipping them with nationally recognized credentials for immediate success in advanced manufacturing, right here in Indiana.”

Veterans bring highly valued strengths to the workforce, including accountability, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving. LIFT’s Operation Next builds on these strengths by combining virtual learning, hands-on technical training at Vincennes University, and nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials.

“America’s military-connected community already possesses extraordinary leadership, resilience, and problem-solving ability,” said Eric Eversole, President, Hiring Our Heroes. “When we pair those attributes with relevant technical skills, we unlock talent that strengthens companies, communities, and the broader economy. The career opportunities provided by Operation Next will be transformative for Indiana families.” 

“ManTech is proud to support LIFT in their initiative to expand Operation Next Indiana and deliver advanced manufacturing training that supports transitioning service members, their families, and the defense industrial base,” said Keith DeVries, Director of DoW ManTech. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to developing a skilled, resilient workforce for the technologies and capabilities our nation needs.”

First launched as a pilot at Fort Campbell in 2017, the program enrolled 101 trainees, with nearly 90% gaining industry employment within six months of completing training, demonstrating the power of connecting military transition directly to workforce demand. Across the country, Operation Next has trained over 2,000 students for careers in advanced manufacturing.

“The U.S. manufacturing and defense sectors are facing a persistent shortage of skilled workers, and Indiana’s advanced manufacturing industry is critical to our national security and economic growth,” said Dr. Robert Shaner, Chief Education and Workforce Development Officer, LIFT. “Operation Next provides a scalable pathway that can be replicated across military installations and manufacturing regions nationwide, helping veterans transition into meaningful careers while giving manufacturers access to a motivated, technically prepared workforce.” 

Key program highlights include:

–Targeted Career Tracks: Students will earn nationally portable credentials in CNC Machining, Robotics, and Industrial Technology Maintenance from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

–Comprehensive Support: Participants receive targeted financial backing of $5,000 per trainee, covering tuition, certifications, and robust wraparound services including career coaching, interview preparation, and resume translation.

–Direct-to-Employer Pipeline: By leveraging the expertise and resources of each partner organization, this collaborative model provides veterans with a seamless pathway from military service to industry-recognized credentials and meaningful civilian employment.

For more information about LIFT and the Operation Next program, please visit lift.technology or www.opnextjobs.com.

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About LIFT
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is the Detroit-based, public-private partnership between the Department of War, industry, and academia, committed to the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, and implementing talent development initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is funded in part by the Department of War with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit https://lift.technology/or follow on LinkedIn at LIFT or on X @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.

About Workforce U at Vincennes University
Workforce U at Vincennes University delivers rapid, high-impact workforce development solutions designed to solve critical technical skill shortages and maximize operational uptime for Indiana employers. Operating across 14 campuses and specialized training hubs throughout Indiana—including MADE@Plainfield, the Gene Haas Center, and the Vincennes University Gibson Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics—VU partners with global industry leaders like Amazon, Walmart, Toyota, and Subaru to turn entry-level workers into skilled technicians. Through customized, high-intensity bootcamps, on-site mobile labs, and registered apprenticeships and short-term training programs in industrial maintenance, robotics, logistics, and healthcare, Workforce U integrates nationally recognized certifications (SACA, NIMS) directly into stackable Associate and Bachelor’s degree pathways. Learn more at vinu.edu/workforceU.