NORTHEAST IOWA—Northeast Iowa Community College’s offering of three tuition-free certificate programs in healthcare proved so successful the College is expanding the initiative to include more programs.

As a solution to the major workforce shortages, 网赌网站 offered tuition-free, short-term training options in healthcare programs including, Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Pharmacy Technician. As a result, enrollment spiked. State funding and local sources, including the Opportunity Dubuque program which is funded through the Dubuque Works initiative, made the tuition-free programs possible. Students also received one-on-one academic and career coaching provided by 网赌网站 college and career coaches.

Now, the College has expanded the initiative to four other programs, Advanced Manufacturing, Child Care, Semi-Truck/Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Culinary Foundations. Developing an employee pipeline to meet the skilled workforce needs of local employers is the primary objective, according to Wendy Mihm-Herold, Ph.D., 网赌网站 vice president of business and community solutions.

“From our conversations with multiple business leaders, Northeast Iowa Community College knows that industry sectors are experiencing a skills shortage for in-demand, high-wage occupations. 网赌网站 is pooling funding streams from local, state and federalsources, as well local private dollars, to extend tuition-free programming to bridge the skills gap. Theseprograms would not exist without our strong partnerships with employers, Dubuque Works and non-profit organizations,” said Mihm-Herold.

Skilled employee needs in the greater Dubuque area, with annual job openings indicated, include:

• Truck drivers, 259
• Assembler/fabricators, 163
• Maintenance and repair workers, 136
• Construction laborers, 93
• Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers, 105
• Childcare workers, 132
• Cooks/food preparation, 234

Local employers are struggling to fill the skilled positions they need.

“We are in need of CDL drivers and have had a CDL position open for at least a year now.We struggle to find anyone qualified with a CDL or anyone willing to obtain a CDL due to the costs of certification,” stated Kelli Klaas, human resources manager for Lime Rock Springs Co., Pepsi-Cola of Dubuque.

Short-term training certificates allow individuals to develop their skills, earn industry credentials and meet acute healthcare provider workforce needs. For more information, visit www.nicc.edu/cpc or call (833) 642-2338 for assistance.