Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed legislation to create a new registration agency that will oversee the creation of Registered Apprenticeships in Iowa. The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship is now being developed. When fully created, it will encourage innovation while establishing state-directed standards that are compliant with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
In the months ahead, Iowa Workforce Development will continue working to launch the IOA by following a formal process that includes:
Establishing standards through U.S. DOL.
Creating an Advisory Council.
Outlining policies and compliance.
Establishing staff needs.
Updates will continue to be posted on this page and agency social media channels. For more on the current state and future plans, please contact Iowa's Registered Apprenticeship staff using the information provided below.
Benefits of Apprenticeship
For job seekers, becoming a Registered Apprentice means you’re on the path to a rewarding career where you’ll earn a paycheck from day one - your chance to earn and learn. For businesses, starting a Registered Apprenticeship Program means you’ll build a talented workforce equipped with the skills that specifically fit your company.
Registered Apprenticeship programs are valuable models that employers can use to recruit and develop well-trained workers in highly skilled occupations.
Iowa has been a national leader in Register Apprenticeship programs and has utilized an earn-while-you-learn model to reach success across the economy. However, Iowa also faces significant long-term challenges with building the workforce needed to keep the state competitive, and a modern approach is needed.
Employers can use Registered Apprenticeships as an effective human resources strategy to recruit quality candidates, train employees to the specific needs of their businesses, and retain a highly-skilled workforce. Registered Apprenticeships can also be used to upskill a current workforce or to accelerate the productivity of new hires. Through the use of standardized training curricula, employers can ensure their employees have a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical components for particular occupations. Registered Apprentices are provided with opportunities for incremental wage increases, industry-recognized credentials, and a defined career path.
New industries are offering opportunities including: information technology, financial services, healthcare, transportation, energy, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality. A Registered Apprenticeship is an appropriate option for all job seekers including women, minorities, youth, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Get Involved with Registered Apprenticeship
Interested in a Registered Apprenticeship program? IWD is here to help, whether you're an individual looking to join a program or a business looking to sponsor a program. Please use the forms below to get started.
Data regarding Registered Apprentices in Iowa can be viewed and explored in the link below. For assistance in navigating the Tableau visualization below, visit the Tableau Guide. If you have questions on the data above, visit the frequently asked questions or contact LMI using the information at the bottom of this page.