Indiana employers said a tightening talent pipeline is forcing a shift and some are now recruiting college freshmen to help fill future workforce gaps.

The Business Plus program at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis places first-year students into paid roles with Indiana companies as businesses look for earlier ways to build talent. The program is in its second year and is already changing how some students compete for jobs.

Luke Alka, a freshman at the school, said he is seeing results.

"Just having this experience, now that I have it, I'm applying for jobs," Alka explained. "That's the beauty of the program, is they know you don't have that technical experience, but they're going to help you build it and hope to create a good program from it and keep you coming back."

Supporters said early experience can keep more graduates in Indiana and strengthen the workforce. Critics warned pushing students into jobs too soon could take focus away from classroom learning and long-term development.

Employers said the need is immediate, especially in fields struggling to attract workers.

Heather Perry, CEO and managing member of the Carmel-based accounting firm DOZ, said building a pipeline earlier has become a priority.

"The Business Plus program offered an opportunity to start working with younger students, which was something that we were excited about," Perry reported. "One of the things that we found over the last couple of years is there weren't as many people going into the accounting profession, or they might start out in accounting, but maybe they didn't make it all the way through."

Participation in the program has grown quickly, with more Indiana employers signing on, including major names like Eli Lilly and other Indiana-based companies. Business leaders said expanding efforts like it could shape how the state fills critical jobs in the years ahead.

Source: Public News Service