Local Collaboration Creates Certificate Program to Train Workers, Fill Jobs

While high unemployment numbers and the need for new job creation seem to go hand in hand, recent data suggest that the Greater Dubuque region may be facing a different challenge.

According to survey responses, one-on-one business visits, business roundtable meetings and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation info action visits, the demand for workers to fill new jobs created in the Greater Dubuque area has actually increased. Businesses, however, are facing challenges in finding qualified employees due to lack of interest in or awareness of advanced manufacturing/information technology careers and training. Meanwhile, significant numbers of local unemployed and underemployed people with limited or no skills and are having a hard time finding gainful employment.

To address this issue, a collaboration of partners including Dubuque Community Schools, DubuqueWorks, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), Iowa Works, Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) and Project HOPE worked together to create a unique program that develops awareness, skills and interest in these fields.

The result is a new non-credit certificate training program offered by NICC that aims to increase the skill levels of available employees by training over 200 individuals in the next 18-24 months. Scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for the training are supported by ECIA, Iowa Works, and DubuqueWorks.

After an application and interview process, those chosen for the program receive full-tuition scholarships and other support to complete the training. Upon successful completion of the program, participants can choose one of two paths: take advantage of pre-arranged interviews with employer partners seeking skilled entry-level employees at $10-$18 an hour; or continue their education by enrolling in credit classes to earn a degree.

In January, 20 individuals were accepted into the pilot training program. Of the 19 participants who successfully completed training, nearly all will be employed with employee partners while the remaining have chosen to continue on to earn a degree at NICC. The pilot class will graduate on May 22 at 6 p.m. at the NICC Town Clock Center for Professional Development.

An orientation for the second round of the certificate program will be held May 30 at the NICC Peosta Campus Conference Center. Attendees will learn more about the welding, modern manufacturing and CNC professions, meet representatives from employer partners, tour facilities and learn about the application process for acceptance into Welding, Intro to Modern Manufacturing or CNC training programs. To register for the May 30 orientation or for more information about the program, call 563.557.8271 ext. 380.

Employer partners include AY McDonald, Berry Plastics, Bodine Electric Company, Decker Precision Machining,  EIMCo, Giese Companies, Mi-T-M, Morrison Brothers, Premier Tooling & Manufacturing, Schieffer Company International, Webber Metal Products, Uelner Precision Tools & Dies and more.