Ragan Report

Community colleges build a skilled Iowa workforce
     Iowa faces both challenges and opportunities in building a strong, well-trained workforce. That’s what legislators learned last week in a presentation to the Education Appropriations Committee.
     The demand for middle-skilled workers continues to grow. These are the type of jobs that require some sort of education and training beyond high school, such as an associate’s degree or vocational certificate. That’s where community college partnerships with local businesses come into play.
     Iowa community colleges are uniquely positioned to train workers in the skills that lead to meaningful, well-paying jobs. Our community colleges offer a variety of programs – short-term and long-term, credit and noncredit – that meet the needs of employers in their communities. Last year, more than 86,000 Iowans sought job training through Iowa’s community college programs. 
     Business leaders tell Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Western Community College, that investing in worker training is critical to business success. In a recent survey of 74 CEOs, all ranked the lack of technical skills in the workforce as their primary concern for growing their businesses. 
     For example, Fred Lisle of Lisle Corp., a manufacturer in Clarinda, says his company competes with businesses from all over the world. To ensure his company remains competitive, Lisle approached Iowa Western Community College for help training employees in manufacturing and milling. Community college training programs are a great way to build a talented workforce, set Iowans on the path to rewarding careers and grow our economy.
• Upcoming public forum
     Clear Lake legislative forum: Feb. 12 at 10 a.m., in the community room at Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company, 322 Main Ave., Clear Lake.
     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.