Iowa businesses need skilled workers to compete and grow. Studies show that in the next five years, 62 percent of all Iowa jobs—that’s 1.1 million jobs—will require education and training beyond high school.
Here’s the problem: Nearly 300,000 of Iowa’s working-age adults do not have a high school diploma. And Iowa is one of only three states that doesn’t invest specifically in adult literacy. That spells trouble for the Iowa economy.
To fill skilled job openings at local businesses and ensure our state remains a competitor in the global marketplace, we must expand worker-training programs.
That is why the Senate Education Committee has approved SSB 1203, which provides $7.5 million for adult basic education and an increase of $9.5 million for basic worker training at our local community colleges.
The legislation also funds a Career Pathways program. It will connect education, training and support services to help Iowans looking to upgrade their skills. In addition, work-based learning will bring together employers, local governments, educators, community-based organizations, and labor and economic groups to develop training and education programs that address local workforce needs.
This is a great way to help Iowans looking to improve their skills, while investing in the future of the Iowa economy. Iowa business leaders support this approach, as does everyone interested in ensuring Iowans have the resources they need to help themselves.