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(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa Governor Reynolds is awarding the Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program $2.45 Million.
"In recognition that the health care field remains at the top of the list of Iowa’s current job openings, today’s announcement represents an innovative opportunity to build and train our future healthcare workforce," says Governor Reynolds.
The program funds 450 apprentices across 22 school districts, giving high school students the opportunity to gain in-person and virtual reality training in the healthcare field. Students who complete the program become certified to work as a nursing assistant, becoming qualified for health care careers while getting paid before leaving high school.
"Not only will this registered apprenticeship program combine the best available technology with hands-on experiences for high school students, but it will create long-term pathways that help keep career-ready young Iowans in our state," says Reynolds.
Bettendorf, Boone, Central Decatur, Grant Wood AEA, Hampton-Dumont, Scott Enterprises/Health Tech Associates, Pella, and Waterloo districts are set to receive the funds. Beth Townsend, the Director of Iowa Workforce Development, states the following:
"Solving the needs of our health care workforce remains paramount, and this unique program will help move the needle in terms of keeping our state competitive and talent-ready. I applaud today’s grant awardees and look forward to the great work they will do to support the career paths of young Iowans."
Funds for the program are coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. Further information on the Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program can be found here.