Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College has joined a new manufacturing-focused consortium.
College officials tell us that as business and industry evolve at an ever-increasing pace, the next wave of change in the form of digitalization and automation, known as “Industry 4.0,” will require new processes for businesses and new skills for employees. Northwest Iowa Community College has now joined with Iowa’s Community Colleges and the Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service to announce a new consortium to support the manufacturing sector in adapting to these changes. The training and awareness initiative includes partners from across the state.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says that Iowa has the right mix of relationships and resources to help the state’s manufacturers remain competitive through a global technology revolution that is transforming factory floors and jobs. She says that the important partnership addresses a critical need identified in the state’s Manufacturing 4.0 strategic plan by uniting key education and industry stakeholders in a comprehensive effort to prepare workers with the skills they need in an increasingly digital economy.
A January report from the Iowa Economic Development Authority called for advancing the knowledge base, expertise, and collaboration among businesses in the state. Organizers say that this partnership will respond to workforce, training/education and integration needs to help manufacturers strategically address technology investments, workforce pipeline, and workforce talent challenges.
They tell us the Consortium will support Iowa’s manufacturers’ efforts to seize opportunities and remain competitive by providing consultation, education, implementation, and access to resources. NCC President Alethea Stubbe says that NCC is pleased to contribute to the strength and vitality of Northwest Iowa by providing innovative and forward-thinking curriculum and training to meet our communities’ and business partners’ workforce development needs. She went on to say, “As we live NCC’s mission of ‘…rapidly responding to the global needs of our changing community,’ that also means the changing needs of our local business partners. NCC is proud to support the Governor’s initiative by collaborating with experts and other partners to address technology investments, workforce pipeline, and workforce talent challenges. We will continue to offer quality, accessible, and affordable education for all of our community members and business partners.”
The Consortium includes key state associations and agencies that have agreed to partner for the best interest of manufacturing businesses.
NCC officials say, “This unique collaboration will implement an education, awareness strategy statewide and that will lead to the development of curriculum to meet training needs of all sizes of manufacturing businesses throughout Iowa.”
They say that in addition to customized training for the existing workforce, the group will develop and enhance certificate, diploma, and degree programs to ensure employers have access to advanced skills training and career pathways now and in the future. Additional Consortium Partners include: Association of Business and Industry Iowa Department of Education Iowa Economic Development Authority Iowa Workforce Development Professional Developers of Iowa Institute for Decision-Making, University of Northern Iowa The Consortium began meeting in April to set goals and timelines. Watch iacct.com for updates on this ongoing initiative.
