Symbiosis.

That's when two dissimilar organisms come together in a mutually beneficial relationship. It's what you're witnessing when your aquarium's clownfish nestles into the gentle tentacles of the sea anemone.

And it's a term that describes IPIC's relationship with businesses across Central Indiana.

We offer services to businesses through our network of WorkOne centers. We help them find skilled workers in a variety of ways. Through customized partnerships, IPIC has trained workers for specific companies or industries. We meet employers' needs by helping workers attain soft skills and occupational skills. And we undertake special projects to fill arid pipelines with a flow of new workers that allow companies to grow.

Businesses, meanwhile, regularly partner with IPIC to improve the skills of the workforce and the economy of Central Indiana. They have collaborated with us to create customized jobs for people with disabilities and for formerly homeless individuals. They have helped us develop curricula and program content for job-training and educational projects, including BioWorksU. They've supported our young clients by serving as mentors in Biotech Bound and other youth-oriented programs. And they've offered their expertise when we conducted labor market research and participated in major IPIC workforce events.

But for all we've already accomplished, we like to think that we've only scratched the surface in terms of IPIC's potential partnerships with Central Indiana employers. And we're excited about the possibilities.