From Senator Amanda Ragan –
Middle-skill jobs are on the rise and are expected to make up 62 percent of Iowa positions in four years. However, only about a third of Iowa workers qualify for them, according to a report on Middle-Skill Jobs in Iowa. Middle-skill jobs encompass a wide range of occupations, from computer specialists and radiation therapists to carpenters and machinists; positions that require some education beyond high school but not a four-year degree.
This year, we continued our work to expand training and apprenticeship programs that will prepare more workers to fill openings for good jobs in their communities.
We are keeping tuition affordable with a boost in funding for Iowa’s community colleges, the first place many Iowans go to further their education, training and career opportunities. We are investing in internships so that Iowa students studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can get hands-on experience in these growing fields. Also we are increasing the number of skilled workers by committing more than $40 million to job training efforts.
We are also improving and expanding apprenticeship programs, which provide supervised on-the-job training and technical classroom studies. Last year, Iowa had 662 apprenticeship programs, with more than 8,100 apprentices.
By investing in apprenticeships, we will make sure local employers have the skilled workers they need. Additionally, it is a good deal for trainees; they are paid to learn a skilled trade and earn a nationally recognized credential.
In addition to state support for apprenticeship programs, Iowa recently was awarded a $6.1 million federal grant that will place 1,500 Iowans in apprenticeship-based occupations in high-demand industries.
