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��ɫ��Ƶ is strengthening Indiana’s advanced manufacturing talent pipeline through a new Achieve Your Degree (AYD) partnership with pharmaceutical manufacturer Evonik Tippecanoe Labs, agricultural and industrial biotechnology leader Primient, and Greater Lafayette Commerce.

The collaboration supports a newly launched, employer-driven Operations Associate Process Technician cohort designed to meet evolving workforce needs across the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.

The inaugural cohort includes 13 employees from participating companies, including seven from Evonik, enrolled in a customized, interdisciplinary associate degree pathway. Built on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s five-term academic model, the program integrates technical instruction with applied mathematics, chemistry, and smart manufacturing and digital integration. Coursework is intentionally aligned with modern industrial operations, allowing employees to build new skills while continuing their professional responsibilities.

“This partnership reflects what’s possible when education and industry design solutions together,” said Aaron Baute, chancellor, ��ɫ��Ƶ Lafayette. “By working alongside each employer, we are able to align curriculum to real operational needs and structure programs in ways that reduce barriers for both employees and companies. That flexibility is essential to building a resilient regional workforce.”

For employer partners, the Achieve Your Degree model serves as a long-term talent development strategy—combining structured academic coursework with applied, real-world learning in the workplace. Each company implements the model in a way that best supports its employees and operational goals.

“We need to prepare our employees for the future of manufacturing,” said Todd Wetli, Tippecanoe Labs Site Manager. “With the rapid advancements in our industry, it is essential to equip employees with crucial skills. This customized program allows them to earn a credential while gaining hands-on experience, charting a clear path from entry-level roles to advanced positions.”

Primient leaders emphasized the value of integrating education directly into the modern manufacturing environment.

“This partnership encourages the growth and development of Primient’s employees, who are learning the technical skills required within a modern highly automated manufacturing environment,” said Travis Montoya, VP of Wet Mill Operations, Primient. “We are excited to see our employees develop advanced manufacturing technical skills that will empower them to succeed at our world-class bio-refinery plant in Lafayette.”

Greater Lafayette Commerce played a key role in convening partners and supporting the collaboration.

“Greater Lafayette’s economic momentum depends on our ability to develop talent at the speed of industry,” said Mikel Berger, President & CEO, Greater Lafayette Commerce. This partnership shows what happens when employers and educators design solutions together. Creating opportunities for workers while ensuring companies can grow and invest here with confidence.”

The Process Technician cohort meets Tuesdays and Thursdays on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Lafayette campus. Participants progress through structured academic terms while continuing their employment, earning credentials that strengthen their technical foundation and position them for expanded responsibilities within advanced manufacturing environments.