An apprentice is defined as a person who is learning a job or trade from a skilled employer.  Becoming an apprentice is a great way to get on a career pathway that will help fast-track professional goals, avoid massive debt, and earn a competitive wage.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality form of learning.  While getting hands-on experience on the job, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college or training provider.

All their time – including classroom hours – are paid.

While apprenticeships are ideal for those wanting to earn while they learn, they are highly beneficial to employers as well.  Apprenticeships are valuable to employers because they can tailor their program to meet their current needs.  As they develop and prepare the future workforce, they can customize instruction to ensure the apprentice learns exactly what they need to perform the job.

A few key benefits highlighted for employers are:

• To recruit and develop diverse and highly skilled workers
• To improve productivity and profitability
• They create flexible training options to ensure workers develop the right skills
• Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent
• It demonstrates an investment in the community

Employers also have the option to register their program with the U.S. Department of Labor to show prospective job seekers their apprenticeship program meets national quality standards.  The state of Iowa has grants available for businesses interested in starting this type of program.

On November 16^th, the 51ÁÔÆæ Business and Workforce Solutions (Formerly known as Continuing Education), held an Apprenticeship Breakfast in conjunction with the .  The purpose of the event was to connect local employers from around the region and learn about how apprenticeships can best build their workforce pipeline.

Mayor Bill Schickel proclaimed November 14^th through the 20^th officially “National Apprenticeship Week” in Mason City.  He recognized the efforts of and their push to grow the apprenticeship program to secure upcoming workforce for the future.

Patti Hanson, 51ÁÔÆæ Dean of Continuing Education stated, “While we are thrilled to recognize National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate apprenticeships all year long.”  51ÁÔÆæ currently offers apprentice programs for welding, carpentry, industrial maintenance and phlebotomy.

While apprenticeship programs go all the way back to the Middle Ages, they have only been registered within the state of Iowa for the past 85 years.  Kyle Whitaker, an Apprenticeship & Training Representative for the state of Iowa, gave a rundown of the numbers for apprentice programs.  In Iowa, there are currently:

*890 Registered Apprenticeship Programs (33 of which are served by 51ÁÔÆæ)

*1988 Employers providing positions

*204 High School students as registered apprentices

*9730 active registered apprentices within the state of Iowa

“This program gives folks the opportunity to have their education path lumped together with work-based learning,” Kyle stated.  “It is a great avenue for someone looking to get right into it and start their career.”

Typically, apprentice programs are designed in trade-related fields, but across the state of Iowa, there are several available for teachers, information technology, healthcare, barbers & cosmetology, retail and agriculture.  Some programs are completed within a year, while others can take as long as 4-5 years.

51ÁÔÆæ works closely with local companies to ensure the students have the courses they need and are getting the proper allotment of time for work experience, classes and study time.  Looking at the workforce, local meat processing plant, Smithfield, knew their pool of candidates for upcoming job openings would not fill their demands.  They utilized the apprenticeship program at 51ÁÔÆæ in order to “grow their own employees” tailored to their specific needs.

Apprenticeship is not a hand-out.  Yes, the company will pay for time worked and the cost of classes, but the dedication to the program falls heavily on the students’ shoulders.  It’s a big commitment, but one that is worth it in the end.

For companies looking to establish or grow their own apprenticeship programs, contact Melinda McGregor, 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Emerging Workforce Solutions at Melinda.mcGregor@niacc.edu.

Collaboration is key for North Iowa to survive the workforce shortage.  Communication between high schools, businesses, 51ÁÔÆæ and the entire community is what will ultimately pull our region together to ensure we stay a thriving economic force.

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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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If you are a highly technical and creative problem-solver with solid math and communication skills, may be a great fit for you. Students have the opportunity to earn the credential for Materials, Measurement and Safety, and enjoy variety and freedom in their work.

Graduates are highly sought after by local employers in careers such as mold builders, tool makers, die makers, CNC programmers, quality control inspectors, gage makers, instrument makers, or designers. According to Tool & Die Technology instructor Joe Cockrum, “Graduates have as many job offers as they want to pursue.”

This program also qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship which means that your tuition is FREE.

Cockrum recently sat down with J. Brooks to talk about the General Machinist and Tool & Die Technology programs at .

Learn more:

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship
Apply Today

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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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Do you enjoy woodworking or the construction of small projects such as mailboxes or birdhouses? If so, you might also enjoy a career in the construction industry.

Whether you are looking for a career or want to hone your existing skills, 51ÁÔÆæ’s Business & Workforce Solutions offers a quick solution to your need: Short Term Certificates.

51ÁÔÆæ’s Fundamentals of Construction certificate class is designed to provide you with the skills necessary to obtain a high-demand, entry-level position with a residential or commercial contractor. Throughout this offering, you will take a hands-on learning approach in the development of following skills that are critical in the construction field:

• Identify basic tools
• Understand building components
• Learn the ins and outs of site layout and preparation
• Develop knowledge of floor systems
• Become proficient in wall, ceiling, and roof framing
• Build your skills in shingling and siding installation
• Learn how to complete trim work
• Complete the OSHA 10-Hour Safety for Construction course

Short Term Certificates provide opportunities to set students up for success within a career across a variety of skilled trades industries. They are also an ideal way for students to get a taste of a specific trade to find out what type of work they enjoy before transferring to a credit program to earn a diploma.

51ÁÔÆæ has several short-term certificate programs that will get you in, get you out, and get you to work – fast! Graduates of these programs are in across the region.

Additionally, certificate courses begin at various times throughout the year compared to a traditional academic year, so you can register for a time that works in your schedule.

Lastly, if you have financial barriers to registering for a course, many of the certificate programs offered at 51ÁÔÆæ have possible free tuition and support for course-related expenses making the Short Term Certificate courses appealing at any stage of your career search.

One upcoming Short Term Certificate opportunity is Fundamentals of Construction, from June 20-24; however, the deadline to enroll is June 10th, so don’t delay – today!

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ? Apply Today!

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