Nov. 12 to Nov. 18 is Registered Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week, and IowaWORKS Centers from across the state are holding events for employers and job seekers. Iowa Workforce Development has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor and Office of Apprenticeships to expand offered programs within the state. Businesses who take part in the effort can receive a $350 incentive per registered apprentice and up to $500 per apprentice who qualifies as part of an underrepresented population. “I encourage all Iowa businesses to explore the Registered Apprenticeship model and use it as an opportunity to hire minorities, veterans, women, youth or people with disabilities,” says Iowa Workforce Development Director, Beth Townsend. According to her, apprenticeships are key to reaching the Future Ready Iowa goal of 70 percent of Iowa’s workforce having training or education beyond high school by 2025. Two of the more than a dozen events taking place this week are in west-central Iowa. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the IowaWORKS Center in Fort Dodge will host an apprenticeship open house from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., then on Wednesday, Nov. 14, Job Corps students are invited to attend an introduction seminar on registered apprenticeships from 8 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the Denison Job Corp Center. A full list of all events in Iowa can be found included with this story on our website.
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BETTENDORF
Event: Registered Apprenticeship Fair
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Scott Community College, Culinary Arts Facility & Hospitality Management Center, 500 Belmont Rd., Bettendorf, IA 52722
Details: Celebrate Registered Apprenticeship Week by learning about the Registered Apprenticeship opportunities available in the Quad-Cities including Eastern Iowa Community College/Scott Community College Apprenticeship programs and programs available through local unions and organizations.
RSVP: None
Contact: Paula Arends, IowaWORKS in Davenport, at 563-445-3200 Ext. 43340 or 309-738-2896 (cell) or by emailing paula.arends@iwd.iowa.gov
CEDAR RAPIDS
Event: Gear Up for Your Future – Explore Registered Apprenticeship
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Goodwill Industries, 1441 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Details: Join us for an interactive experience to explore Earn and Learn job opportunities and take a tour of the Goodwill light manufacturing facility. Take advantage of one-on-one conversations with hiring managers to learn more about what their company can offer you!
RSVP: Job seekers register through Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/2181198925436296/; Employers register – https://gearup4future.eventbrite.com
Contact: Kate Pine, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Cedar Rapids, at 319-365-9474 Ext 31185 or by emailing Katherine.pine@iwd.iowa.gov
COUNCIL BLUFFS
Event: Healthcare Registered Apprenticeship
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: Iowa Western Community College (IWCC), 2700 College Rd., Kinney Hall, Room 145, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Details: Hiring solutions for healthcare businesses through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. This presentation will be part of the IWCC Healthcare Sector Board Meeting.
RSVP: Email Rhonda Casson, Long Term Care Coordinator at Iowa Western Community College, at rcasson@iwcc.edu if you’re not already a member of the healthcare sector board and she’ll sign you up for the event.
Contact: Todd Oesterle Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Council Bluffs, at todd.oesterle@iwd.iowa.gov or Rhonda Casson at rcasson@iwcc.edu
DECORAH
Event: Decorah Area Chamber Luncheon
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Mabe’s Pizza, 110 E. Water St., Decorah, IA 52101
Details: Katie Bahl, Business Marketing Specialist at the IowaWORKS Center in Dubuque, will be presenting information on Registered Apprenticeship at the Chamber Monthly Luncheon.
RSVP: None
Contact: Email Kristina Wiltgen at Kristina@decorahareachamber.com
DENISON
Event: Job Corp Students Intro to Registered Apprenticeship
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Time: 8 a.m.-9:25 a.m. and 9:25-10:50 a.m.
Location: Denison Job Corp Center, 10 Opportunity Dr., Denison, IA 51442
Details: Presentation by IowaWORKS Business Marketing Specialist explaining the Registered Apprenticeship program and a presentation from Scranton Manufacturing, a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor followed up with a game involving answering questions regarding the information they received.
RSVP: None – only open to Job Corps students
Contact: Sherri Vaughn, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Carroll, at 712-7952-2685 Ext. 22 or by emailing Sherri.Vaughn@iwd.iowa.gov
DES MOINES
Event: Narrowing the Workforce Gap
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Iowa Culinary Institute, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Building 7, Ankeny, IA 50023
Details: Disability Rights Iowa is partnering with a number of central Iowa agencies to promote Narrowing the Gap: Connecting Food Industry Employers and Iowans with Disabilities. The event will be held at the Iowa Culinary Institute. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and there will be various informational tables before the event. The goal of Narrowing the Gap is to connect food industry employers and people with disabilities using Registered Apprenticeship to address the great need for employees in the food industry.
The keynote speaker is Christine Ha, the first-ever blind contestant and winner of Gordon Ramsay’s “MasterChef” season 3. Often, Christine can be found in the kitchen cooking comfort food. Her first cookbook, Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food, was on the New York Times bestseller list.
RSVP: Cost is $15. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/disability-rights-iowa-and-the-iowa-culinary-institute-17809397186
Contact: Anne Matte at 515-278-2502 ext. 34 or by emailing contact@driowa.org.
DUBUQUE
Event: Dubuque Area Chamber Luncheon
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Location: Hotel Julien Dubuque, 200 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Details: Katie Bahl, Business Marketing Specialist at the IowaWORKS Center in Dubuque, will be presenting information on Registered Apprenticeship at the Chamber Monthly Luncheon.
RSVP: Registration is required at http://business.dubuquechamber.com/events/details/monthly-membership-luncheon-11-15-2018-336055
Contact: Email office@dubuquechamber.com
FORT DODGE
Event: National Registered Apprenticeship Open House
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: IowaWORKS Center in Fort Dodge, 3 Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Details: Open house for employers and interested candidates alike. Employers will learn about Registered Apprenticeship, recruitment and retention. Job seekers will learn about Registered Apprenticeship and find out their areas of interest. There will be several displays showing businesses with Registered Apprenticeship Programs, products that are made, and occupations currently approved for Registered Apprenticeship.
RSVP: None
Contact: Job Seekers: Jaci Banwell-Michalski at 515-576-3131 Ext 47260 or by emailing jacqueline.banwell-michalski@iwd.iowa.gov. Employers: Cathy Nelson-Schoon at 515-576-3131 Ext 47319 or by emailing catherine.nelson-schoon@iwd.iowa.gov
HAMPTON
Event: Introduction to SeaBee Registered Apprenticeship Program for Industrial Maintenance Repairer
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: SeaBee Hydraulic Cylinders, 712 1st St. NW, Hampton, IA 50441
Details: Hampton Dumont High School is sending a group of students to tour the SeaBee Facility and hear from SeaBee employees about the benefits of working there and information about the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Contact: Kristle Percy, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Mason City, at 641-422-1524 or by emailing kristle.percy@iwd.iowa.gov
JOHNSTON
Event: Registered Apprenticeship: A Proven Solution for Recruiting, Training and Retaining World-Class Talent
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Goodwill of Central Iowa Headquarters, 5355 NW 86th St., Johnston, IA 50131
Details: Business leaders and hiring managers are invited to attend this event and learn about Registered Apprenticeship. Speakers will include employers who have successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs in place. Breakfast is included.
RSVP: Rachel Falahpour, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Des Moines, at 515-725-3606 or by emailing rachel.falahpour@iwd.iowa.gov
Contact: : Rachel Falahpour, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Des Moines, at 515-725-3606 or by emailing rachel.falahpour@iwd.iowa.gov and William Berning, Workforce Advisor at IowaWORKS in Des Moines, at 515-725-3614 or by emailing william.berning@iwd.iowa.gov
MARSHALLTOWN
Event: Veteran’s Registered Apprenticeship Employers’ Council of Iowa Event and Open House
Date: Friday, Nov. 9
Time: Employers’ Council of Iowa from 9-11 a.m. Office open house from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: IowaWORKS Center in Marshalltown, 3405 S. Center St. Marshalltown, IA 50158
Details: With Veteran’s Day the first day of National Apprenticeship Week, the Employers’ Council of Iowa event is focused on Registered Apprenticeship and veterans. Employers are encouraged to attend to learn about Registered Apprenticeship and how veterans can use their GI Bill to supplement their income as a Registered Apprentice. Speakers include:
- Opening Remarks by Neysa Hartzler, Business Marketing Specialist, and Jim Galanits, Veteran Representative, IowaWORKS
- SSG Herschel Edwards, Iowa Army National Guard in Marshalltown, will share how veterans can benefit from Registered Apprenticeship and use their GI Bill for funding and share examples of veterans he knows who have completed or are currently participating in a Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Chris Busch, Training Director with Iowa State Trowel Trades, explaining the basics of a Registered Apprenticeship Program and how the training requirement fits in
- Lori Wildman, Alliant Energy Training Specialist, who will share information about their current Registered Apprenticeship Programs and successes from the Registered Apprentices
- Q & A
The Iowa Army National Guard is providing games, prizes, and refreshments.
RSVP: Neysa Hartzler, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Marshalltown at 641-844-6995 or by emailing neysa.hartzler@iwd.iowa.gov
Contact: Neysa Hartzler, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Marshalltown, at 641-844-6995 or by emailing neysa.hartzler@iwd.iowa.gov
MASON CITY
Event: Registered Apprenticeship Workshop
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: IowaWORKS Center in Mason City, 600 S. Pierce Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
Details: This workshop will educate job seekers about Registered Apprenticeship, including the components, the benefits and opportunities in the state. Information will also be shared on the next steps to obtain a position with a company looking to hire a Registered Apprentice.
RSVP: Call 641-422-1524 and select option 2 to register
Contact: Kristle Percy, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Mason City, at 641-422-1524 or by emailing kristle.percy@iwd.iowa.gov
- PLEASANT
Event: Open House, Tours and Career Fair
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility 1200 E. Washington St. Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
Details: This event is designed to highlight the skills residents of the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility and other correctional facilities gain during their incarceration, primarily in the area of Registered Apprenticeship. The event will include a short tour inside the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility walls, a tour outside the walls to demonstrate the types of Registered Apprenticeship Programs the facility offers and training received, an informational session with guest speakers including Kyle Horn, a Department of Corrections apprenticeship expert, and IowaWORKS staff talking about Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Federal Bonding and general services. The event will wrap up with a career fair followed by lunch.
RSVP: Due to the location of the event, pre-registration is required by registering at https://mpcfjobfair2018.eventbrite.com/
CONTACT: Terry Zmolek, Workforce Advisor, at 319-385-9511 Ext. 2277 or by emailing terry.zmolek@iwd.iowa.gov
OTTUMWA
Event: National Apprenticeship Week Celebration
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Location: Ottumwa Job Corps Gymnasium, 15229 Truman St., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Details: Learn about successful partnerships that have been developed in the Ottumwa region and learn how to replicate those partnerships to build pipelines of candidates into new Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Lunch is included.
RSVP: Register online at http://ow.ly/lelL30mohpI or by reaching Mike Cockrum at 641-684-5401 ext. 40027 or micheal.cockrum@iwd.iowa.gov
Contact: Davon Glover, Career Technical Training Manager, at 651-683-0245 or by emailing glover.davon@jobcorps.org
SPENCER
Event: From Military Drills To Workplace Skills
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Time: Noon-2 p.m.
Location: Spencer Hy-Vee, 819 Grand Ave., Spencer, IA 51301 (Enter store from the east side and go back to the southwest corner of the store and enter the club room)
Details: This is an event organized to recruit veterans seeking employment opportunities as a Registered Apprentice in the skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Skills assessment and development will be addressed through appointments at the Spencer IowaWORKS Center located at 217 West 5th St. Spencer, IA 51301. After completing the skills work at the center, veterans could be presented to an area business in the aforementioned trades for consideration of direct employment or Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
A free meal will be provided, courtesy of Lakes Area Employers’ Council. Information on free courses at the center and Registered Apprenticeship materials will be handed out and discussed on site that day.
RSVP: Bob Becker, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Spencer, at 712-262-1971 Ext 42003 or emailing Robert.becker@iwd.iowa.gov for this employment or Registered Apprenticeship opportunity or for more information
Contact: Bob Becker, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Spencer, at 712-262-1971 Ext 42003 or emailing Robert.becker@iwd.iowa.gov
WATERLOO
Event: National Apprenticeship Week: Explore Apprenticeship Opportunities Open House
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Hawkeye Community College, Cedar Falls Center, 5330 Nordic Dr., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Details: Tour the lab spaces including the new carpentry lab! Learn more about Hawkeye Community College’s new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Registered Apprenticeship. Network with businesses who operate successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Discuss how to start a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Explore funding sources! Enjoy a free BBQ lunch.
RSVP: Jerry Orr at 319-296-2329 Ext 3010 or by emailing jerry.orr@hawkeyecollege.edu
Contact: Jerry Orr at 319-296-2329 Ext 3010 or jerry.orr@hawkeyecollege.edu or Lacie Westendorf, Business Marketing Specialist at IowaWORKS in Waterloo, at 319-235-2123 Ext 41301 or lacie.westendorf@iwd.iowa.gov