Displaced workers earn relevant skills in triage program
Iowa needs a trained workforce.
Roughly 82 percent of available jobs in the state require training above high school, but not necessarily a four-year degree, according to a recent study by Iowa Workforce Development. But, how do mid- and late-career workers who have been laid off get a chance at these jobs?
Kirkwood Community College, in partnership with IowaWORKS, has developed an in-time, rapid response workforce solution to this very problem.
When Georgia Pacific’s Monticello plant closed earlier this year, Kirkwood already had an action plan in place. By studying local job markets and determining relevant skills the displaced workers needed, Kirkwood developed a tailored training plan, providing short-term certification programs in computer numerical control (CNC) machining, welding and computer programming at Kirkwood’s Jones County Regional Center.
“These workers can earn valuable new skills with financial assistance from the Workforce Investment Act program,” said Kristy Black, dean of off-campus programs and director of the Jones County Regional Center. “Plus, the training is right here in Monticello, making it very convenient for them to get back on their feet.”
Once they complete the program this fall, they’ll be able to put their new skills to work in the Corridor region.
“Kirkwood’s Jones County Regional Center is a model for the state,” Black continued. “Innovative partnerships, numerous funding streams and employer involvement made this first-ever triage plan a reality. This is truly a just-in-time, in-demand program for displaced workers.”