National Manufacturing Week is celebrated the first week of October in the United States.  Many companies, however, celebrate the profession for the entire month.  It is a chance for manufacturers to open their doors and let students see first-hand what happens within their walls. Some companies use the opportunity to showcase the potential career possibilities and foster interest in the field.

Why is advanced manufacturing important?

To stay relevant in today’s marketplace, it takes a competitive advantage.  Companies are constantly finding ways to produce goods and materials quicker and cheaper, making their bottom-line increase at a drastic pace.

Technology is the key proponent in advanced manufacturing.  As technologies have become more innovative, advanced manufacturing technology also improves.  This creates better products and streamlines the processes used to create them. And just think, new technologies are being developed every day.  People thinking outside the box, finding innovative ways to increase production and decrease costs. So where can we find all these potential employees to think outside the box?

Thankfully, has a solution to solve that problem!

On the morning of October 12^th, 51ÁÔÆæ students in the skilled trades programs were invited to attend the Advanced Manufacturing Breakfast.  They were able to enjoy the delicious morning meal while having round table discussions with area employers.  After 15-20 minutes at one table, the students rotated to another table so they could meet with each company representative and discuss potential career options in North Iowa.

The purpose of this event was to celebrate National Advanced Manufacturing Week.  It’s also a great opportunity to connect 51ÁÔÆæ students with employers in the industry, giving them an idea of the kind of opportunities available and networking with area professionals in the field.

As North Iowa faces a slew of workforce challenges due to an aging population, events like this are instrumental for the emerging workforce in our area by putting them into fantastic .

During the Advanced Manufacturing Breakfast, two students received job offers right there on the spot!

Many manufacturing jobs are listed under the ‘skilled trades’ category – a sector excels in.  Traditional manufacturing is thought of as taking raw materials and creating a product that adds value.  Advanced manufacturing, however, is the practice of using innovative technologies and methods to improve a company’s ability to be competitive in the manufacturing sector.

The purpose of advanced manufacturing is to streamline activity and create a more efficient operation.  It can be found in just about every industry, including electric vehicles, robotics, air structures, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, high volume goods, rapid prototyping and many more.

Manufacturing and product development is highly encouraged for people who like to work with their minds and hands. High-tech manufacturing continues to grow, especially in the areas of 3-D printing, and high-speed, computerized numerical control machining.

There are currently 373 advanced manufacturing jobs listed for Iowa on Indeed.com.  According to zippia.com, the career expert website, “Advanced manufacturing engineers can make $90,343 per year on average in the United States.

Skilled Trades Programs

Future Ready Iowa Scholarship Opportunities

Learn More- Visit Campus

Apply Today!

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Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. You may be one and not realize it yet. Now is your chance to commit, inspire, and educate students as a substitute teacher, A.K.A. Super Hero!

Teaching is believed to be one of the most honorable professions of all time. Teachers in all levels of education impact students in a variety of ways — not only in the obvious age-old ways of arithmetic, social studies, and language arts, but also through fostering self-esteem, motivation, and expanding student perspectives.

Even before the world was turned upside-down with the COVID-19 Pandemic, schools faced a major dilemma finding substitute teachers.  The pool had become increasingly slim, and the shortage put school districts in an extremely tough place as they scrambled to find replacements as needed.

Substitute teachers are an essential part of education.  They aren’t simply “plan B” or an afterthought in case a teacher becomes ill.  A professional substitute teacher takes their role seriously, knowing they have the power to make a positive impact on students.

Even if it is only for one day.

Amid the pandemic, the role of substitute teacher was reevaluated across the country.  In the state of Iowa, restrictions were adjusted, and the average pay raised to entice workers into the field.  The shift was made due to the expectation for increased demand in the coming years.  Now, anyone with an associate degree or 60 hours of credit at a regional accredited institution and the completion of an approved substitute authorization can become a substitute teacher.

You don’t even need a background in education.

Schools in North Iowa are doing everything they can to build their arsenal of substitute teachers.  Striving for a level in which they’ll be able to easily fulfill the needs of the district should they have to call upon reinforcements due to illness and other absences.

And you could be part of the solution!

If you’re looking for a flexible schedule and enjoy being with students, the is a great place to start.

The class is held in person on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus, giving upcoming substitute teachers an advantage. Taught by a current and/or retired teacher to pass along their knowledge and wisdom, you’ll gain hands-on experience and real-life skills from both the teacher and substitute perspective.  Learning by example, coupled with being in the classroom setting, will prepare you to enter schools at any level, and give you the tools to succeed.

Plans for future substitute authorization course offerings held at area schools are also in the works.

Course content includes lessons on Ethics, Classroom Management, Diversity, and Instructional Strategies.  You’ll work collaboratively with other future substitute teachers and study real-life scenarios on how to provide the best education for various ages, whether it’s to teach for just one day, or up to 10 days in a row.

Current student enrolled in the course, Ashley Metz, would recommend it to anyone interested in obtaining their substitute authorization. “It’s incredibly informative,” she stated.  “And for being a 3-hour class, it holds your attention the entire time.  The teacher has shared so much of her experiences it makes it all very real.”

Virtually all schools are fighting this same battle.  No matter the reason, substitute teachers are few and far between these days.  Districts have felt the crunch as they scramble to find quality substitutes to fill the gaps every day.

If you have a passion for working with students, a love for learning, are organized, and genuinely care about education, consider becoming an authorized substitute teacher.  Registration for the next three course offerings are available; the first is a five-week evening option slated for October 6 – November 3, followed by a weekend offering on October 15 and 16, with the last offering for 2022 from December 5 – 15 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $99 and you’ll be responsible for obtaining the substitute teacher handbook (8^th edition).

For a full list of details and how to register for the course, visit   and search for “substitute authorization.”

The post Commit. Inspire. Educate. With 51ÁÔÆæ’s Substitute Teaching Authorization appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Enrolling in college is an exciting step into your future, however, for many the expense of college can be challenging. Applying for federal financial aid, grants, and scholarships might seem like a daunting task with multiple steps, but help is right here!

Remember: if you have questions at any time, our admissions and financial aid advisors would be happy to help – simply call, email, or stop in.

FIRST 3 STEPS: 

1. Complete the free application for student aid, also known as the .

The application opens up annually on October 1^st – so you can apply EARLY every year! You can prepare for school a whole year before you come.

2. Complete the 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation Scholarship Application, which allows you to apply for all of the variety of scholarships with just ONE application.

NOTE: You must apply to 51ÁÔÆæ before you can apply for Foundation Scholarships.

3. Apply for outside scholarships.

From your high school, your community, your church, your parent’s employers, your future employer!

Keep these Pro Tips in mind as you work your way through applications:

PRO TIP #1: The FAFSA covers your application for all Federal grants, loans and the work study program.

PRO TIP #2: Aim to complete these items prior to June 30; this date has historically been the deadline for funding allocated from the state of Iowa; primarily for career and technical programs.

PRO TIP #3: Although there truly is no deadline; there is a priority date for certain types of financial aid, so the sooner you file, the better.

PRO TIP #4: Most schools have priority filing dates for scholarships and grants, 51ÁÔÆæ’s priority date is March 1.

PRO TIP #5: BUT – even though you may have missed 51ÁÔÆæ’s priority filing date this time the 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation Scholarship continues to award scholarship funds after the priority date – so complete the scholarship applications no matter what date you file!

PRO TIP #6: 51ÁÔÆæ awards more than $1.7 million annually!

PRO TIP #7: Look online! Tools such as , or provide additional scholarship options.

PRO TIP #8: Compile all of your financial aid and develop a budget as a team with your parents or partner. Use the net price calculator to help you maneuver through this conversation!

51ÁÔÆæ offers a variety of free tuition programs, some of which have deadlines right around the corner. These programs can offer support outside of tuition expenses in some cases – just ask, that is what we are here for!

The 51ÁÔÆæ financial aid office is open during the summer months to help you; don’t leave free money on the table – if you don’t apply, someone else will!

RECENT GRADUATE BONUS PRO TIP: Learn more about how to manage your student loans after graduation from Abbie Steinberg, Director of Financial Aid Student Services at 51ÁÔÆæ, in her recent interview with J. Brooks.

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

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