Schools and organizations have until 1 p.m. on Friday to submit proposals to Iowa Workforce Development to receive funding to grow Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa.

Iowa Workforce Development was recently awarded an additional $1 million ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to strengthen and grow Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa. The grant is focused on expanding opportunities in healthcare and advanced manufacturing, the fastest growing and largest employment sectors in the state, as well as increasing the participation of women, youth, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. A portion of the funds were awarded in September to 10 schools and organizations, including Pella.

Director of K-12 Instruction Lowell Ernst tells KRLS News the welding apprenticeship formed on their campus is helping to serve as a model for other districts in Iowa. Additionally, Pella High School has registered additional programs in nursing, culinary arts, and engineering.

Organizations may apply for funding in five areas: Quality Pre-Apprenticeship; High School Registered Apprenticeship; Healthcare Sector Registered Apprenticeship; Advanced Manufacturing Sector Registered Apprenticeship; and Pilot Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

From Iowa Workforce Development:
Iowa employers and job seekers can explore Registered Apprenticeship opportunities at earnandlearniowa.gov. The website helps employers understand how a Registered Apprenticeship Program works, the value it brings to their business, the resources available to help them set up a program and has a form to complete to receive more information.

Job seekers who are interested in exploring Registered Apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to visit the website and fill out an online form to connect them to a local IowaWORKS Center. In addition IowaWORKS Center staff can help with resume preparation, cover letter assistance and mock interviews.