Water is a vital resource for all communities; specifically, clean water.

The round pools of wastewater treatment plants are thankfully a common sight in cities and towns across our region, state, and country.

The technicians responsible for the daily safety of our community water systems need the most up-to-date training opportunities to maintain their local water facilities and 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) offers just that.

On Thursday, April 13, in partnership with the (IAWEA) Region 2 Board, 51ÁÔÆæ is hosting the Spring 2023 Wastewater Conference.

The Spring conference features a update from Sheila Bly, a Lagoons roundtable discussion, recognition of the 10^th Anniversary of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the IAWEA business meeting, Confined Space: Lessons Learned from the Real World, and a presentation from Scott Obernolte about the design implementation and operation of low-pressure sewer systems.

“Operator training is essential and 51ÁÔÆæ offers spring and fall conferences right here in Mason City to meet the needs of Region 2 water and wastewater operators.” 

Sheila Bly, Environmental Specialist Senior | Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Those interested in attending the conference can learn more and register on .

51ÁÔÆæ offers a vast amount of training for local communities, businesses, and individuals. From training that provides CEUs, such as the Spring 2023 Region 2 Wastewater Conference, to classes to —check out all of your continued education options!

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Now is a great time to consider a career in the skilled trades. With the aging population of baby boomers set to retire, the shortage of workers to take their place has sent a bit of a shockwave through the country. There is a serious lack of individuals with the skills to support the American infrastructure.

But that is not the only reason the trades have suffered.

For years, it’s been pushed on high school students to attend a four-year university and obtain a bachelor’s degree. It was just the way of the world. The traditional perception was that high paying jobs were only found if you followed this path.

This is simply not true.

Skilled tradespeople often make equivalent to or more than their academic counterparts. Most trade jobs not only offer high take home pay, but great benefit and retirement packages.

Plus, workers aren’t carrying a heavy debt on their shoulders from school.

Completing a skilled trades program usually takes less time to complete; anywhere from 8 weeks to 2 years. Students get hands-on training to prepare them for the workforce. In some cases, apprenticeships are available for experience-based education.

51ÁÔÆæ has programs in Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Diesel Technology, Welding, Heating & Air Conditioning, Tool & Die Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Mechanics, and Industrial Systems.

The growing demand for trades means jobs will always be plentiful. We found during the 2020 Global Pandemic that skilled trade workers were not impacted like other jobs were. Because of this, workers can levy their skills for better wages, benefits, jobs and more stability.

Plus, the pay can be great!

Due to the high demand of these careers, the wages earned in them have always been substantial. Now, as workers continue to grow and learn in their field, they are able to gain even higher income by learning more applications and processes.

In a nutshell, pursuing a career in a skilled trade is a win/win across the board!

If you have an interest in learning about these high demand fields and how you can get in, get out, and get to work, you MUST check out the 51ÁÔÆæ Spring Spotlight Visit on March 31st. Beginning at 9:00am in the Stoltenburg Forum/Beem Center 200, this session covers everything from constructing houses, robots, learning to weld, tool and die project, to heating and cooling and advanced manufacturing concerns.

A job in the trades can provide the job security and income that was once only promised from a college degree. The trades provide essential services for which there will always be a need. Construction is constantly moving as we look to replace old buildings and infrastructure to ensure public safety.

If you love to tinker and work with your hands, be sure to attend this Spotlight Visit. It might be just what you’ve been looking for!

To learn more about campus visits and becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to Campus Visit. See the Campus Tours Page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply Today

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In just 4 1/2 semesters you can earn your A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology in a program that is ASE/NATEF Master Certified.

North Iowa needs auto technicians. In fact, employers are begging for them and 51ÁÔÆæ’s program has a 100% placement rate for graduates.

Rob Heimbuch, auto technology instructor, recently chatted with J Brooks about the newly updated, state-of-the-art lab spaces available and what students can expect to learn and gain from the program.

Apply Today!

The post Rev Up Your Future with an Auto Technology Degree appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

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

The post Tool & Die: Lots of Options, Big Demand appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Instructor Gregg Helmich recently talked with J Brooks (98.7 KISS Country) about the strong local need for Building Trades graduates on a What’s New at 51ÁÔÆæ segment. He shared that his students graduate with multiple job offers and well-paying jobs.

Even more important to Helmich is that the class begins to feel like a family, students have each other’s back and work as a team. Besides the expected skills like carpentry, concrete formwork, framing, cabinetry, and millwork, students also learn how to work with people who may be different from themselves, build a crew mentality, and enhance their drive and motivation. In short, they love their work.

The class also has a lot of fun and each year participates in contests, building exercises, and usually a trip to the in Las Vegas.

Did we mention that you can also participate in this program tuition free! That’s right, this program is covered by the Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, but you must submit your and 51ÁÔÆæ application by August 1, 2022, to be eligible.

You can learn more about this exciting program by following their and accounts. Enjoy the show!

Additional Information:

Fundamentals of Construction Short-Term Certificate

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship

Apply Today!

The post Construct Your Future in the Building Trades Program appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Are you looking for a highly sought after career in Iowa? Look no further! According to Iowa Workforce Development Iowa’s top 5 careers are:

1. Advanced Manufacturing Production, Installation & Maintenance
2. Construction & Engineering
3. Healthcare & Biosciences
4. Information Technology
5. Management, Business & Financial Operations

All of which you can earn a degree in at through the following Meta Majors:

1. Skilled Trades, which includes a variety of career options from construction trades to engineering and much more!
2. Health Science, includes more than a dozen pathways such as laboratory technician, nursing associate degree, physical therapist assistant, just to name a few.
3. Humanities, offering communications, graphic design and web and social media degrees.
4. STEM, where you can explore business or information technology!
5. Business, allowing you to lead, manage and build a career in accounting, business administration, marketing, and entrepreneurship!

Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to instructors teaching within these career focuses, sharing their perspective of the student experiences they provide through 51ÁÔÆæ degree, diploma and certificate programs.

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship

Apply Today!

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Meta Majors match top 5 careers in Iowa appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

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!

The post FREE Certificate Alert! Fundamentals of Construction appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The pomp and circumstance are in the not-so-distant past and the official school year has wrapped up, but 51ÁÔÆæ never shuts down—there is always something going on.

Summer at 51ÁÔÆæ is a great time to pick up some extra credits, expand your skills or even sign up for a day camp.

Tuition costs are low, classes are close to home, credits transfer to other schools, and it’s a way for high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on college.

51ÁÔÆæ offers a variety of learning environments suited to your learning preference and lifestyle: face-to-face only, online only, hybrid (a mixture of face-to-face and online), and flex learning, which allows students the choice to attend on campus or attend virtually.

You can still register for summer classes starting June 13 with credit class offerings including accounting, agriculture, art, sciences, heath and so much more—, you are sure to find a class right for you!

Additionally, Fundamentals of Construction starts June 20, or Certified Nurse Aid classes with your choice of four locations, both with possible free tuition.

Lastly, check out the 51ÁÔÆæ summer camps for a variety of ages with topics from health to industrial trades, STEM, and more!

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ? Apply Today!

The post There is Always Something Going on at 51ÁÔÆæ appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Is it plumb? Is it level and square?  Is it aesthetically pleasing? Does it follow the blueprint?  If your project meets these criteria, you might be a winner at 51ÁÔÆæ’s 23rd annual Design-Build Competition.

About 40 students and their teachers from 10 area high schools were invited to 51ÁÔÆæ for some fun and friendly competition.  Over $2000 in prizes were donated for the winning schools.  The event was held on the 51ÁÔÆæ Campus on Wednesday, May 11.

Gregg Helmich, 51ÁÔÆæ Building Trades Instructor, looks over plans

Each school was given a plan and the materials to build a large wood shed with walls, sloped roof and floor.   Three hours later, voilà— the projects were completed.

Gregg Helmich, 51ÁÔÆæ Building Trades Instructor, organized the event  “It’s a great way to promote the trades, to show the value of trades education and to try to solve the skilled trades shortage.”

All the lumber was donated by the Contractors Advisory Association.

The average age of the skilled laborer is 55 years old according to Helmich.   In an effort to show young people that trades can be a pretty cool profession, a roundtable discussion was held via zoom with several popular internet influencers.

“It’s a lot of fun.  There’s a lot of energy in the room today” said Helmich.

Ian Miller, a student at Mason City High School, agreed while fastening the roof on his team’s shed,  “It’s pretty fun! I like the pace.  You have to work together.”

After the saws stopped spinning and the saw dust settled the judges got down to judging.

Brandon Patterson, co-founder of the Iowa Skilled Trades organization, came from Des Moines to help decide the winner.  “It’s a great way to showcase their talents, keep them engaged, energized and to help them realize the great opportunities.”

The West Hancock team took home the top prize

When the awards were read over the loudspeaker, Brayden Langfitt, Llan Martinez, Kennedy Kelley, Mathew Francis of the West Hancock team came out on top.  They carried their giant box of new tools and put them in their winning shed.

Like a football coach responding after a state championship victory, their shop teacher Paul Francis responded humbly, “This is what we teach them to do.”

Participating Schools and Contractors:

St. Ansgar— Tony Duncomb, Young Construction

West Fork– Joe Engels, representing Alpha Roofing and NIBE

West Hancock— Dylan from Henkel Construction

Rockford— Jennifer Breister, Crown Point Builders

Osage— Bert Vigen, Habitat for Humanity of North IA

Charles City—Keegan Ginapp, Crown Point Builders

Hampton-Dumont—Eric Sipress, Dean Snyder Construction

Clear Lake High School—Jordan Manning, Manning Construction

Mason City High School—Julie Weide, Henkel Construction

Event Sponsors:

Simpson StrongTie

Contractor’s Advisory Association

North Iowa Builder’s Exchange

ACME tools

Morton Buildings, Inc.

Questions or comments?  Email Arian Schuessler, arian.schuessler@51ÁÔÆæ.edu

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Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

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