SlateUp has formed a strategic partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County to strengthen hiring, retention, and career mobility across the region’s manufacturing sector.
The collaboration brings SlateUp’s AI-powered career matching platform into one of Indiana’s most manufacturing-intensive areas, aligning employers, workforce organizations, and jobseekers around structured career pathways designed to support long-term employment rather than short-term placements.
Robert Merritt, CEO of SlateUp, said the initiative focuses on connecting people directly to real jobs and making advancement opportunities visible from the outset. He noted that workforce development is most effective when driven by employer demand and grounded in clearly defined career trajectories.
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Built for regional manufacturing needs
Manufacturers in Elkhart County face persistent challenges, including open positions, rising skill requirements, and workforce systems that often prioritize training volume over job outcomes. SlateUp’s platform addresses this by validating job roles with employers, mapping advancement pathways, and matching candidates based on readiness and long-term fit rather than relying solely on résumés.
Chris Stager, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County, said the partnership helps employers articulate their workforce needs while giving jobseekers a clearer view of how manufacturing careers can evolve over time. He emphasized that the initiative supports the creation of a sustainable talent pipeline for the region.
Through the partnership, local economic development leaders and manufacturers will expand access to SlateUp’s platform, enabling companies to identify qualified candidates more quickly while helping workers understand growth opportunities within the industry.
Early outcomes from organizations already using the platform in Elkhart County include improved hiring efficiency, stronger retention, and higher candidate engagement particularly among jobseekers who can see defined career progression. Employers also report spending less time reviewing unqualified applications and more time onboarding candidates prepared to succeed.
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A scalable workforce model
The partnership reflects a broader shift toward employer-led workforce strategies that prioritize measurable employment outcomes and career mobility. Elkhart County’s strong manufacturing base and collaborative ecosystem position it as a testing ground for a model that could expand across Indiana and potentially nationwide.
Merritt said the initiative is not intended to replace workforce boards or education partners, but to provide better infrastructure that connects training, hiring, and career advancement. By aligning employer demand with transparent career pathways and AI-driven matching, the partnership aims to strengthen regional economic resilience and modernize manufacturing talent development.
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