Iowa Workforce Development is launching a new statewide grant program aimed at addressing skilled labor shortages in the state’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The initiative, called Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development — or AMP’D Iowa — is funded through a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. Iowa Workforce Development said the program will support employer-led training focused on production, machine maintenance and other skills gaps.
Grant applications will open June 29 at iowagrants.gov. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 23 at 1 p.m. More information is available at ampd.iowa.gov.
Priority funding will go to small and medium-sized employers. Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service will serve as a technical partner, helping employers assess workforce needs and identify training priorities.
“This initiative is an excellent opportunity to help employers in one of our most critical industries generate the targeted training programs needed to help them upskill their workforce,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. “This funding will not only help advanced manufacturing remain competitive in Iowa, it also will create more opportunities for Iowans to thrive in good-paying careers.”
The program builds on Iowa’s Manufacturing 4.0 initiative, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which helped manufacturers invest in smart technology and digital equipment.
“The AMP’D initiative is a great new tool for Iowa’s manufacturers that will help them upskill their workforce, implement new processes, strengthen their talent pipeline, and increase productivity,” said Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We are very excited to offer this opportunity to our manufacturers, especially those who have previously participated in Manufacturing 4.0.”
Manufacturing is Iowa’s second-largest employment sector, accounting for more than 217,000 jobs and roughly 17 percent of the state’s annual GDP. Sector job growth is projected to expand by nearly 15 percent over the next decade, more than double the national average.
