Turning Point Education Center and Cook Group partner in jobs program

A partnership between Turning Point Education Center (TPEC) and Cook Medical Group provides students with the opportunity to learn and earn at the same time.

‘My Cook Pathway’ gives students ages 18 and up an opportunity to work at Cook Medical Group while earning their Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma while working part-time – 28 hours a week – and taking classes 10 hours a week, according to Open Arms Adult Education Coordinator Michelle Ellis.

The class time gives the student the chance to prepare for the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). After the TASC is passed and the student demonstrates success in their part-time job, they will be offered a fulltime position in production, quality control, packaging or the warehouse, Ellis explained.

Aside from providing the part-time job during the prep classes and paying for the TASC, Cook also will provide 401 (k) and quarterly bonus benefits.

Part-time workers are not eligible for medical benefits, however, once the student earns their HSE, they transition to fulltime with full benefits.

There is no cost to the student. Turning Point Education Center offers the prep classes for free and Cook Medical Group pays for the exam.

The next round of classes starts in October and enrollment is underway.

To apply, call Michelle Ellis at Turning Point Education Center, Open Arms.

The program with TPEC started in January and three students have participated so far, Ellis said,

“This is a great program and gives students a chance to work for a caring company. If you want to go on to school at Ivy Tech Community College, they (Cook) pay 100 percent for it up front,” Ellis stressed.

For more information about enrolling in the program, contact Ellis at 812-659-2533.