DES MOINES, IOWA (April 16, 2024) — Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has announced new awards for its annual Registered Apprenticeship (RA) grants, injecting new funding into dozens of programs that are developing the next generation of the Iowa workforce.
The grant funds, which involve two different programs, will support both existing and brand-new programs in Registered Apprenticeship, including many that are in high-demand fields. In total, approximately $3.6 million is being awarded to programs that are sponsoring a combined total of 5,344 apprentices across Iowa.
“Apprenticeship programs continue to be a gold standard for opening the doorway to the possibilities that exist in today’s workforce,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “I’m proud that our state can continue to not only support apprenticeship programs that are already successful but also help jumpstart new programs that are focused on the occupations we need most in the economy.”
State support for these grant awards comes from the Iowa Apprenticeship Act (84E), which supports annual funding for ongoing apprenticeship programs, and the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund (84F), which helps drive the success of new programs formed in a high-demand occupation. Previously, the Iowa Apprenticeship Act was referred to as 15B and the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund as 15C, but recent legislation modified those references in the Iowa code.
“The pathway to a promising career in our state is easier than you think, and as we’ve seen time and again, a successful apprenticeship program can be that connection point for so many Iowans,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “These awards continue to prove how valuable apprenticeship programs can be and also how they can be applied in more occupations than ever before.”
Iowa continues to see success in the development and expansion of RA programs and, as a next step, is currently developing the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to better encourage innovation and effective program development. Employers use RA programs to recruit and develop well-trained workers in highly-skilled occupations, while individuals who become apprentices are able to start a rewarding career path while earning a paycheck. Many employers also work with Iowa community colleges and high schools to model successful programs that combine classroom work with on-the-job experience.
The full list of 2024 RA grant awardees can be viewed at this link. Twenty-eight programs were awarded under 84F and 67 programs were awarded under 84E.
For more information about apprenticeship programs in Iowa, visit workforce.iowa.gov/apprenticeship.
