Iowa Workforce Development Communications
For Immediate Release
Date: March 21, 2018
Contact: Cory Kelly
Telephone: 515-330-5646
Email: cory.kelly@iwd.iowa.gov
New "Earn and Learn Iowa" Website Promotes Registered Apprenticeship in Iowa
DES MOINES – A new website has been launched to encourage Iowa employers and job seekers to explore Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
The website, www.earnandlearniowa.gov, is focused on helping employers understand how a Registered Apprenticeship Program works, the value it brings to their business and the resources available to help them set up a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Job seekers, meanwhile, can learn why a Registered Apprenticeship leads to a successful career. Both employers and job seekers can complete a simple form to be contacted regarding next steps for either starting a Registered Apprenticeship Program or exploring Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
Gov. Kim Reynolds, who was appointed to President Trump's Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, said the Registered Apprenticeship model is a proven solution for recruiting, training and retaining world-class talent in Iowa.
"Investing in Registered Apprenticeship is good for Iowa businesses and will help to fill the skills gap so Iowa can have a future ready workforce," Reynolds said. "I encourage employers and job seekers to explore the website and learn more about Registered Apprenticeship opportunities."
Growing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities will help Iowa reach its Future Ready Iowa goal of having 70 percent of its workforce achieve education or training beyond high school by 2025.
The site features video testimonies from four successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs: Camblin Plumbing & Heating in Atlantic; Grand Consulting in Des Moines; IBEW Local 347 in Des Moines; and Gilbert Home Comfort in Leon.
The website, a collaborative effort between Iowa Workforce Development, the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship in Iowa, and Iowa Economic Development Authority, was funded through a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to grow Registered Apprenticeship in Iowa.
Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, said Registered Apprenticeship Programs include jobs in energy, information technology, healthcare, financial services, transportation, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage preparation, and the building trades.
"Industries such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing are prime for starting Registered Apprenticeship Programs," Townsend said. "I also encourage women, minorities, youth, veterans and people with disabilities to explore Registered Apprenticeship careers in both the emerging industries and in the trades."
On the website, job seekers can research occupations where Iowa currently offers Registered Apprenticeship Programs and find the names and contact information for Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors who offer a program. Employers can learn about the process for setting up a Registered Apprenticeship program and the state funding available to program sponsors.
Job seekers who are interested in exploring Registered Apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to fill out an online form on the website to connect them to a local IowaWORKS Center. In addition IowaWORKS Center staff can help with resume preparation, cover letter assistance and mock interviews.