Iowa House Republicans propose changes for apprenticeship, workforce training

Iowa House Republicans released their plan Wednesday to fill workforce shortages in Iowa by increasing funding and reducing “red tape” in Iowa’s apprenticeship and workforce training programs.

The “Iowa Skilled Workforce Act,” which is not yet available online, proposes increasing funding from $3 million to $4.5 million for the 84E Apprenticeship Act that finances Registered Apprenticeship programs. The proposal would also provide “financial backing” to build new facilities at community colleges, as well as in union and nonunion private sector programs through the “Career Training Physical Expansion Program,” though House GOP leaders did not specify how much funding would go to this program.

Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, the House Higher Education Committee chair, said at a Wednesday news conference the proposal is a “deal” between the state government and schools with Iowa industries and workers: “the state provides the funding and flexibility, in return, Iowa industry leaders shape and train the next generation of leaders.”

Though Collins and House Speaker Pat Grassley spoke about shifting focus in higher education funding toward filling workforce needs throughout the state, the GOP leaders did not say what other areas may see a decrease in funding as more money goes toward apprenticeship programs. The lawmakers said discussions on the funding components of this proposal will take place during the appropriations process later in the session.

However, Collins said as the Higher Education Committee reviews academic programs offered by state education institutions, there are potential areas for saving. He pointed to current offerings at some state higher education institutions, where there are currently departments “dedicated to a program of less than 10 students,” he said.

“For too long, our higher education institutions have prioritized resources from nonpractical degrees that simply don’t translate to a stronger economy,” Collins said. “This bill sends a clear message. State resources belong to Iowans who want to put their education to use meeting real, urgent needs of their fellow Iowans.”

Grassley said the legislation is the result of discussions with union and nonunion industry leaders as well educators throughout the state.

“We’ve met with our private sector contractors, met our union contractors, we met with community colleges, (to) develop something that I think is going to be a real game changer when it comes to fulfilling those workforce needs,” Grassley said. “So we are going to be looking at where current money is going in higher education, and if we don’t feel that taxpayers getting the value, we think this is a place in which those resources should be invested.”

Other provisions in the measure include changes that specify plumbing and HVAC training must also follow a ratio of 3 apprentices to 1 licensed trainer currently required for electrical trade apprenticeships, and allowing workers with 3,000 hours of experience in a trade to teach in related programs without additional licensing. The proposal would also allow community colleges to set parameters for the Last-Dollar Scholarship program, providing funding for tuition as students pursue training in high-demand fields.

“By providing the resources and getting out of the way of our experts, we’re ensuring that Iowa students get the best education possible, and Iowans get the most skilled workers in the Midwest,” Collins said. “This is a partnership built to last. It’s an investment in the Iowans who want to work with their hands, and I guarantee the taxpayer that their investment will result in a stronger, more prosperous state.”