I established the Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center to offer hands-on learning experiences from area businesses to every middle school student at Fort Wayne Community Schools. My dad always said, ‘Nothing built on a poor foundation will succeed.’ He credited his apprenticeship as the foundation to start his life. He went on to found Kelley Automotive Group, 71 years ago, which is now one of Fort Wayne’s largest employers. To scale our company, we have relied on a team of talented mechanics and technicians. The Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center educates and inspires our next generation so they can build a strong foundation and go on to find great career opportunities, right here in their own backyard.
MadeByMe
Building Allen County’s
Skilled Workforce
To build a nationally recognized economy, we need world-class builders. And electricians. And plumbers. And advanced manufacturing workers. People who can get the job done with hard work, know-how, attention to detail, and dedication to their craft.
MadeByMe is a collaborative initiative connecting high school students with rewarding career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. Through partnerships with industry leaders, educators, and community organizations, the program highlights the diverse pathways available in these high-demand fields.
By showcasing real-world opportunities and offering valuable insights, MadeByMe empowers students to explore fulfilling careers while helping to build a stronger, more skilled local workforce.
Growing Career Opportunities
Over the next decade, there are projected to be over 44,000 job openings in construction trades and advanced manufacturing across Allen County.
Your Future, Made By You
The skilled trades and manufacturing industries in Allen County offer high-demand careers that combine hands-on skills with critical thinking. Local employers are actively seeking young professionals and provide pathways to rewarding, good-paying jobs close to home.
Many roles do not require a four-year degree, and you can earn industry-recognized certifications in a year or less, even while in high school. More training leads to greater opportunities and higher earnings, all while minimizing or avoiding college debt. Start building your future today by exploring MadeByMe training partners and talking with your school counselor about programs that fit your goals.
Partnering to Build the Future Workforce
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. collaborates with industry partners to enhance educational opportunities for students and educators across Allen County. Together, we host summer Teacher Externships that provide hands-on industry experience and deliver engaging classroom presentations to inspire students to explore careers in skilled trades and manufacturing.
These efforts empower the next generation with the knowledge and pathways to thrive in high-demand professions while strengthening our community’s workforce.
Inspiring Students. Shaping Futures.
Educators play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers. Through MadeByMe, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. partners with schools to provide resources and opportunities that bring the skilled trades and manufacturing to life. From hosting summer Teacher Externships that connect classroom learning with real-world industry experience to offering engaging presentations that introduce students to rewarding career paths, we help you inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, we can equip students with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in high-demand fields.
Connecting Students to Skilled Training Opportunities
MadeByMe collaborates with leading training partners across Northeast Indiana to provide students and educators access to hands-on learning in manufacturing, construction, and other skilled trades. These organizations offer industry-recognized programs that prepare students for high-demand careers, often allowing them to earn certifications before graduation. By working together, we are building a strong talent pipeline and empowering students to gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce. Explore our network of training partners to find programs that align with your students’ goals.
Tom Kelly
Owner, Kelley Automotive Group