DES MOINES – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds of Friday announced the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act, which expands access to apprenticeship training programs, will be signed into law at the administration’s weekly press conference Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 9 AM, at the Facebook site in Altoona, Iowa.
Projects like Facebook Altoona rely on the work of skilled tradespeople. To date, 440 workers and more than 515,000 hours have been applied to the Facebook Altoona project alone. An expansion of Iowa’s apprenticeship training programs will ensure that companies locating or expanding in our state will have the skilled talent they need to grow.
In January, Branstad proposed legislation to increase funding to expand apprenticeship programs, drastically reduce the overhead cost, improve efficiency and standardize program administration.
At his 2014 Condition of the State Address, Branstad said, “One of the positive outgrowths of the historic capital investments made throughout our state is increased demand for jobs. Apprenticeship programs allow us to quickly and effectively train workers to meet this demand. […] These programs strengthen our middle class, our businesses and our economy. Together we can further build the pipeline of skilled workers. Together we can ensure our workers have the skills they need to fill the jobs they want.”
The Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act (House File 2460)
Apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn, rather than taking on significant student debt. They provide the apprentice with focused, hands-on training and a paycheck from day one.
Nationwide, there are registered apprenticeships for more than 1,000 occupations, with programs impacting 250,000 employers and approximately 450,000 apprentices. In Iowa in FY13, there were 662 registered apprenticeship programs, and over 8,100 registered apprentices.
With over $8.8 billion in capital investments incentivized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, demand for a skilled workforce has increased all across our state.
The Governor’s plan triples funding for apprenticeships while reforming and improving the state’s apprenticeship program.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
· The event is open to credentialed members of the media. Those attending must present media credentials and identification to be issued a press pass.
· There will be no admittance to the Facebook campus until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 30 minutes before the beginning of the press conference.
· A mult-box will be available for the media.
· Attendees, including media, should RSVP to ieda.rsvp@iowa.gov. Please include full name and email address.
· In the event of inclement weather, an alternative location for the event will be in the Robert Ray Conference Room at the Capitol. Should a change in venue occur, a press advisory will be issued.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
9 a.m. Gov. Branstad signs the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act at the administration’s weekly press conference
Facebook Altoona
100 Share Way
Altoona, IA
