WATERLOO – Enhance Iowa has recently launched their new website, EnhanceIowa.com, that’s especially helpful for unemployed, underemployed, veterans or anyone else looking for career opportunities in Iowa. Website visitors can easily identify which jobs are high-paying and in-demand in their local area, then find correlated training opportunities through a nearby community college. The website also tailors to individuals who are not in a position to pay for training by connecting them to available grants and scholarships that can pay for most, or in some cases all of the training.
Enhance Iowa creates pathways leading to in-demand careers. It’s an innovative plan developed by Iowa’s community colleges to train thousands of workers in high-demand industries that are in need of skilled employees – a plan that was recognized with a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
It’s no secret that the chances of getting ahead in today’s global marketplace are greatly enhanced by furthering your education and training. The Enhance Iowa program goes one step further. The education and training is tailored to jobs, fields and careers that are in high demand, pay well and are close to home. That’s a win for individuals, families, businesses and communities.
“Community colleges throughout the state are invested in the success of local residents and businesses,” said Todd Oesterle, Workforce Advisor at Hawkeye Community College. “Enhance Iowa connects Iowan’s to local good paying jobs that need to be filled and puts them in a position to receive training to qualify them for employment.”
Industries that are projected to grow the most through the year 2020 are in the health care, information technology, manufacturing and utility sectors. The large diversity of available, good paying jobs is a win for Iowans. Residents have the ability to choose a career in one of these industries that best fits their interests, career goals and monetary needs, then receive the training that will qualify them for a good paying, local job.
Iowa Workforce statistics show there are more entry-level workers than entry-level jobs available. However, there are more middle-skill level jobs available than workers to fill them. Enhance Iowa has the tools and resources to help qualify Iowans for these middle-skilled, high-paying jobs through training certificates and one- to two-year courses of study provided through a local Iowa community college.
This Enhance Iowa workforce solution is funded by the IHUM Consortium which is 100 percent financed through a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Enhance Iowa offers resources to the public specifically targeting those eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance for workers, unemployed and underemployed Iowans and U.S. veterans.