New tool can help Iowans plan a career path

Ragan Report Column: Iowans looking for promising career opportunities or a career change can use Iowa’s “Future Ready” resources to make the best possible choices.
Future Ready Iowa is an initiative to help Iowans get education and training beyond high school so they have the qualifications for in-demand jobs that pay well. Because more careers are requiring advanced knowledge and technical skills, Future Ready Iowa is striving for 70 percent of Iowa’s workforce to have education, training or recognized certification beyond high school by 2025.
The Future Ready Iowa website can help you explore careers; learn about available education and training; see what types of financial aid are offered; and search available positions for the right job opportunity.
For even more focused help, contact our local IowaWORKS Centers, where professionals provide one-on-one help choosing a career path, writing a resume and cover letter, practicing for job interviews, assessing your skills and searching for jobs. Local office in Mason City:
IowaWORKS Center - Mason City Serving Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth counties 600 S Pierce Avenue, Mason City Phone: 641-422-1524 Email: Region2.Web@iwd.iowa.gov
As Iowa prepares to be Future Ready, sector partnerships already are playing a growing role by bringing together business, industry, workforce and education to ensure training prepares Iowans for specific jobs that need to be filled. A new report shows sector partnerships in Iowa are:
• Strongest in manufacturing, information technology and health science.
• Active in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
• Affiliated with high schools, colleges, local school districts, trade organizations and unions.
• Focused on career awareness in schools, workforce training and skill development to ensure Iowans know how to prepare for available jobs.
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.