Skilled Iowa is a program designed to help fill labor issues facing not only Newton, but the State of Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development Communications Director Kerry Koonce believes that keeping jobs in Iowa is very important.

“Factory jobs are becoming harder to find, and the State of Iowa does not want to lose employers,” Koonce said. “It’s about getting the labor force skilled and educated. The State is covering the cost.”

The issue that Skilled Iowa hopes to solve is the lack of middle skilled workers. There is a 53 percent demand for middle skilled workers and 33 percent of those jobs are filled. Middle skill demand is expected to rise. Through proper training potential employers can be issued a Career Readiness Certificate.