Businesses across Iowa are expanding, hiring, and remaining competitive with help from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). Workforce training provided through the Iowa Jobs Training (260F) program, Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training (260E) program, and Registered Apprenticeships, ensure companies have the skilled workforce they need while strengthening the state’s economy.
“These programs provide a direct link between workforce development and economic growth,” said EICC’s Director of Workforce Development Kendra Schaapveld. “By upskilling current employees and training new ones, we help businesses grow and keep Iowa thriving.”
The 260F program allows businesses to reskill their workforce at little cost. EICC helps the employer secure forgivable loans funded by the state, with a company match, then designs and delivers the training to employees. In fiscal 2024, the college played a key role in strengthening 17 area companies and the skills of 266 workers.
The 260E program supports businesses that are expanding, relocating, or opening in Iowa. EICC can issue bonds to design and provide training for new employees. The cost is covered upfront and repaid over time using state payroll tax funds. In fiscal 2024, the college provided skilled training to 251 new workers employed by seven area companies.
Carver Pump: A Case Study in Success
“These programs reduce the financial burden and make it accessible for businesses of all sizes,” Schaapveld said. “It’s a win-win for employers and employees.”
This includes Carver Pump. The Muscatine, Iowa, company requires a highly skilled workforce to design and manufacture its products. About 20 years ago, the company realized it could no longer recruit qualified welders and machinists. “EICC began helping us fill our workforce pipeline through welder and machinist apprenticeship programs,” said COO, Mark Post.
The 260 training programs quickly became the mainstay of Carver Pump’s production workforce development, they said. “Today, over 45% of our current bargaining unit workforce are graduates of a skilled trade program at EICC. This includes two-thirds of our welders, our second- and third-shift leaders, three of our cell leaders, and our Test Laboratory manager and Machine Shop Production manager completed the machinist apprentice program. These programs are instrumental to meeting our staffing needs,” Post added.
Today, over 45% of our current bargaining unit workforce are graduates of a skilled
trade program at EICC. This includes two-thirds of our welders, our second- and third-shift
leaders, three of our cell leaders, and our Test Laboratory manager and Machine Shop
Production manager completed the machinist apprentice program. These programs are
instrumental to meeting our staffing needs."
For employees like Gabe Bender, a precision machinist at Carver Pump, these programs have had a life-changing impact.
Bender credits the partnership between EICC and Carver Pump with providing a solid foundation. “At EICC, I learned the fundamentals—the building blocks. On the job, Carver reinforced those skills with hands-on experience. You learn that there’s always more than one way to solve a problem, and that innovation and collaboration make you a better employee.”
Apprenticeships: Developing Talent for Iowa Businesses
EICC’s twelve Registered Apprenticeships can be customized to the needs of the employer, ensuring workers have the technical skills and training essential to the company.
“Apprenticeships are a powerful way for businesses to develop and train their future workforce,” Schaapveld said. “Employers provide on-the-job learning, and we ensure the classroom education aligns with industry standards. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.”
Bender agrees. “Job security is really important to me,” he said. “I wanted to be with a company that takes care of its people and helps them grow. That’s what I’ve found here.”
EICC’s Registered Apprenticeships also offer a clear path to a nationally recognized, industry-vetted credential from the U.S. Department of Labor—often within just two to four years. And the college wants to serve more businesses by expanding apprenticeships into more industries.
“Our apprentices develop a broad technical background at the Blong Center. For example, machinist apprentices take classes such as Technical Drawing, Inspection Techniques, and CNC Programming, in addition to specific machining classes. Additive manufacturing was recently added as a specialization,” Owner & CEO, Andrew Carver. “Our apprentices also work a full shift with an assigned mentor. The combination of formal training and real-world experience allows each of our apprentices to realize their full potential,” added HR Manager, Megan Randoll.
Expanding Opportunities for Future Generations
EICC is also focused on the next generation workforce. In the past three years, it has expanded its Career Academy programs and facilities. Now, even more high school students can start training for their future career before they even graduate, and at no cost to the student.
“The college was able to expand workforce training opportunities thanks to support from taxpayers and the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund. We will continue to do so, as the state recently awarded EICC a $1 million grant to expand the Muscatine Industrial Technology Center and programs,” Schaapveld said.
EICC’s workforce training programs generate measurable benefits for the state. “We train thousands each year to work in key industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. These are the in-demand skilled workers who will propel and advance Eastern Iowa businesses,” Schaapveld said.
“Every dollar invested in these programs drives job creation and retention while ensuring Iowa remains competitive nationally and globally,” she added.