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Iowa Central Business & Community (ICBC) has launched a new workforce initiative, “Train today for the workforce of tomorrow”, for the year 2022 in response to the local labor shortage.
ICBC is committed to enrolling 300 students in its continuing education courses in health, 300 students in its continuing education courses in transportation and increasing the number of women enrolled in continuing education courses in manufacturing.
“We decided to roll out the Training Today for Tomorrow’s Workforce initiative because we saw a local need for skilled workers in healthcare, transportation and manufacturing.” said Shelly Blunk, Executive Director of Economics, Workforce and Continuing Education.
Due to the expansion of GAP tuition assistance, ICBC may offer these courses for free once the student’s application is completed.
“GAP Tuition Assistance allows us to fill the void by providing resources to populations who otherwise could not afford training. Typically, GAP resources have an income cap, but with their expansion anyone can qualify if they complete the application process â€, said Melissa Vorrie, director of workplace programs.
The healthcare courses offered by ICBC include a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Phlebotomy Technician.
ICBC offers Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) courses as part of its transportation department. Manufacturing courses offered include Production Welding, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator, Integrated Manufacturing Progress Program (IMAP), Industrial Operator, and Basic Small Engine Repair.
“We set these registration goals as part of our initiative because we know there are high quality workers in our communities who, given the opportunity to develop these skills, would fill the jobs in demand. “ Blunk said.
The enrollment targets came from the needs indicated in the area, the enrollment numbers for previous classes and the interest of the students.
“During the survey of businesses in the region, many asked us to offer a course in phlebotomy. Since the start of the course in 2021, we have had a consistent waiting list for future courses â€, said Vorrie.
Looking at career paths, ICBC found a gap in the number of women in manufacturing careers. For this reason, they emphasize enrolling women in these courses and connecting them with businesses in the region looking to employ people in these fields.
“Having worked in the manufacturing sector and more specifically in recruiting for positions in the manufacturing sector for over 20 years, I am a strong advocate for women considering jobs in this environment,” said Jennifer Leiting, senior human resources generalist at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “Manufacturing has evolved so much over the years and there are so many reasons to consider a career in manufacturing. I am proud that my female-led business, Nestlé Purina PetCare, and our leadership are helping women thrive in careers in manufacturing.
ICBC supports and acts as a liaison between businesses in the region and their community. They offer personalized training in safety, leadership and more to company employees. They also help with the application process for programs like the 260E Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program, 260F Iowa Jobs Training Program, and 260G Accelerated Professional Training.
In addition to the economic development support offered by ICBC, they also offer community education. CPR / AED / First Aid, MSHA, OSHA 10, and Coaching Clearance courses are just a few of the community education offerings.
To learn more about continuing education courses in Healthcare, Transportation, or Manufacturing, please visit https://iowacentral.augusoft.net/, email [email protected], or call ( 515) 574-1293.
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