Mt. Pleasant businesses provide education and employment

MT. PLEASANT — Iowa Workforce Development awarded Mt. Pleasant Chamber members, Alliant Energy, Sinclair Tractors, and Jason Smith, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling funding intended to create or expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

The Registered Apprenticeship programs are designed to benefit both employers and apprentices by filling high-demand fields while allowing the next generation to earn while they learn.

“Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven model, combining on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction and allows the Registered Apprentice to earn a paycheck from Day One,” the Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) website states. “Registered Apprenticeship Programs are a proven solution for recruiting, training and retaining world-class talent in Iowa.”

Alliant Energy pays full-time wages and benefits to apprenticeship participants while they learn their new job skills.

The programs benefit the state as a whole, also.

“Since Iowa is experiencing a talent gap with an aging workforce of highly skilled and experienced workers, this program has the ability to attract a new and more diverse talent pool, close the gap in workers’ skills, and awards an industry credential issued by the Department of Labor upon completion of the program,” the IWD website states. “New industries are offering opportunities including: information technology, financial services, health care, transportation, energy, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality. A Registered Apprenticeship is an appropriate option for all job seekers including women, minorities, youth, people with disabilities, and veterans.”

According to Sinclair Tractor, there is a growing need for agriculture technicians because innovations require a more knowledgeable workforce, and the Registered Apprenticeship programs help close the gap.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com