📈 Building Iowa’s Workforce

In Iowa, we teach our kids to work hard and make the most of every opportunity — but there’s a growing disconnect between what schools are pushing and what our economy actually needs. The problem : Too many students are told the only path to success is a four-year degree when some of the best-paying, most in-demand jobs in Iowa don’t require one. From precision manufacturing to skilled trades and healthcare — these careers offer great pay, real security, and the chance to build a future without college debt. Meanwhile, Iowa has more open skilled jobs than workers to fill them, and our economy is paying the price. Why it matters : When we undervalue apprenticeships and on-the-job training, we leave Iowans behind and let Washington’s one-size-fits-all thinking dictate what success looks like. That’s why we introduced the PARTNERS Act — bipartisan legislation that uses existing grants to help employers build local talent pipelines through real-world training. The bill reworks programs already on the books at the Department of Labor to: ✅ Design and expand apprenticeships so workers can earn while they learn ✅ Connect workers with in-demand skills training tied directly to industry needs ✅ Provide support services to improve retention and long-term success Bottom Line: The best way to strengthen our workforce is simple — connect Iowans who are ready to work with businesses ready to hire.