March 19, 2024

Project IOWA looking for 12 lives to change in Jasper County

Program will train participants for new careers in manufacturing

Are you ready for a chance to change careers? Perhaps you know someone else whose life would be changed forever with a new opportunity. Either way, Project IOWA is looking for 12 good people to get on the road to a career-track, living-wage, full-benefit job in Central Iowa.

Jasper County United Way Executive Director Travis Padget recently began spreading the word about this new opportunity, which provides up-front job commitments to participants who will receive training to ensure they have the desired skills to succeed in a career in advanced manufacturing.

Best of all, it is provided at no cost to the participants.

“[Project IOWA has] funding to educate twelve people on manufacturing skills — both soft and technical skills,” he said. “It is an intense training program, meeting four evenings a week for eight or nine weeks. With it being so intense, they screen applicants for motivation to enter a career in manufacturing, not just looking for a job.”

The first step to be considered for Project IOWA is to attend a monthly information session, held at 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month in Room 130B on the DMACC Newton Campus at 600 N. Second Ave. W. The program also has job opportunities available in healthcare. Partnering employers include Mercy Medical Center, Vermeer Corporation and Bridgestone.

Those who wish to participate must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED certificate, and must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. A strong work ethic and commitment to complete the training are required, as well.

For more information, call (515) 280-1502.