Workforce means having Iowans available and skilled to work in the jobs available and needed across industries. See how community colleges are working with businesses to reskill or upskill their current employees and train Iowans for the new jobs at their company.
Iowa’s workforce needs are constantly evolving, and community colleges are uniquely positioned to respond quickly. Through close collaboration with employers, state agencies, and economic development organizations, Iowa community colleges develop customized education and training solutions that help businesses grow while creating career opportunities for Iowans. These partners and opportunities include:
Iowa Workforce Development:
Collaborates with community colleges on workforce training initiatives such as 260E, 260F, apprenticeship programs, labor market analysis, and employer services.
Iowa Department of Education: Supports career and technical education, workforce innovation, and programs funded through the Iowa Skilled Worker and Job Creation Fund.
Iowa Economic
Development Authority:
Works alongside community colleges to attract new businesses, support business expansion, and connect employers with workforce training resources.
Regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, workforce boards, and local employers that help identify emerging workforce needs and ensure training programs align with regional industry demand.
One of the state’s most successful workforce development tools is the 260E Industrial New Jobs Training Program. Individual community colleges help eligible businesses train employees for newly created positions. Community colleges partner with employers to assess training needs, design customized instruction, and deliver workforce education with little or no upfront cost to the business. The program is financed through bonds issued by the community colleges and repaid using a portion of the state withholding taxes generated by the new jobs, making it a unique public-private investment in Iowa’s workforce.
These partnerships have helped companies across Iowa expand operations, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive while providing workers with the skills needed for long-term career success.
Iowa Lakes Community College
Aluma Trailers has added 118 new, highly skilled, jobs to their manufacturing operations in the Iowa Lakes Region over the past 10 years with the support of 260E. As a lightweight trailer manufacturer, their greatest concerns have been time-to-market of new product offerings, and the workforce and technology needed to support new product lines. The training through 260E allowed Aluma Trailers to implement advanced manufacturing practices, robotics, and improved engineering practices. This has lowered overall product costs while increasing profit margins.
Iowa Valley Community College District
Colewell Automation started with two owners several years ago and now have 11 employees. They are a FANUC-Authorized Systems Integrator company offering tur-key automation systems, robot programming, project management, and manufacturing process design in the Midwest and nationwide. They currently have a 260E project and have recently partnered with Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions for an open enrollment class, Introduction to Robotics and Automation. Co-owner Dustin Stowell, President and Director of Operations, quoted this, “Successful manufacturing requires skilled trades. We are excited to partner with Iowa Valley Community College to help build the necessary programs that manufacturers in Iowa are looking for. Through this partnership, we hope not only to teach our future employees, but the employees of manufacturers around Iowa. Colewell is providing the instructor and facility for this course. Due to relationships with designated IVCCD staff, Colewell Automation is also involved with the Manufacturing Focus Group and featured at Community College Day on the Hill in support of the workforce programs.
Iowa Valley Community College District
JBS in Marshalltown is a pork processing facility owned by JBS USA, a global food company. JBS USA Pork is the 2nd largest fresh pork producer in the U.S. Currently, the Marshalltown plant has 2,400 total employees. JBS has been an ongoing recipient of 260E and 260F funding for their workforce. Iowa Valley Community College District has been providing industrial maintenance training to JBS for over 20 years.
As JBS hires new mechanics or promotes from within the company, they send these employees to the Marshalltown campus for Industrial Maintenance Training, specifically utilizing the Amatrol lab. The training is a hybrid approach where the employee can do online learning using the college’s laptops on the Marshalltown campus and have the instructor nearby if they have questions as they go through each module. To complete the course, they must pass a hands-on assessment using the Amatrol equipment, which is conducted with the instructor onsite.
This is ongoing training and is self-paced. Some students are done with this training in 6 months, but most take 9 months or even up to a year. Once they complete the course, JBS increases their wages.
Iowa Lakes Community College
Moveero has added 294 new, highly skilled, jobs to their operations in the Iowa Lakes Region over the past 10 years with the support of 260E. As a premier off-road wheel and hub manufacturer, their greatest challenges has been workforce and modernization. 260E supported better training plans for onboarding employees, which has vastly improved employee retention. The training provided through 260E also allowed Moveero to implement advanced manufacturing practices, robotics, and improved Quality Engineering practices.
Iowa Lakes Community College
Safco has added 153 new, highly skilled, jobs to their manufacturing operations in the Iowa Lakes Region over the past 10 years with the support of 260E. This has allowed Safco to stay innovative and profitable in a highly competitive industry. The training provided through 260E allowed Safco to implement advanced manufacturing practices, robotics, and improved engineering practices. This has allowed them to maintain their positioning as an expert in dental tools and supplies, providing professional service solutions to dental practices across the country and around the world.
Iowa Valley Community College District
Ritchie Industries in located in Conrad, manufactures livestock watering equipment, and currently has 69 employees. Iowa’s 260E and 260F grant programs have been designed to empower businesses like Ritchie Industries to invest in their workforce. By leveraging these grants, companies can equip their teams with the skills they need to stay competitive and achieve their strategic goals.
“I’m so grateful to work for a company that truly values its employees. Ritchie has provided me with incredible opportunities to learn and grow, and Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions has been a fantastic partner in helping me achieve my goals,” said Stacey Zemon, human resources manager.
“When you invest in your employees, you will see great returns in your bottom line. Training is an investment in the future of your company. We are going strong in part because of the opportunities we have because of our partnership with Iowa Valley. We are poised for success in our next 100 years!”
Iowa Valley Community College District
Since its founding in 2015, River Valley Pipe has grown from a single location in Lacon, Illinois, to a thriving operation in Iowa Falls, growth made possible in part by 260E. Partnering with Iowa Valley Community College District, River Valley Pipe secured $79,740 in training funds to onboard and upskill 11 new employees. Thanks to this investment, the company exceeded its hiring goals, adding 13 new team members by 2023. Working with Iowa Valley Business & Community Solutions, River Valley Pipe developed a customized training plan that included leadership development, Arc Flash Electrical Safety, and CPR/First Aid—building both skill and safety across their workforce. The company’s success story is a testament to the program’s critical role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening the regional economy, and preparing Iowans for high-quality careers.
Iowa Lakes Community College
Veridian has added 118 new, highly skilled, jobs to their manufacturing operations in the Iowa Lakes Region over the past 10 years with the support of 260E. As a fire protective gear manufacturer, there has been increasing competition in the market. The training provided through 260E has allowed Veridian to implement advanced manufacturing practices, robotic sewing machines, and improved Engineering practices. Ultimately, this has resulted in Veridian maintaining differentiated competitiveness in the marketplace.
Community colleges and businesses that have partnerships–whether through 260E or in other capacities–please email your story to our team to be featured info@ccforiowa.org.
