New Iowa Grant Program Will Help Train Workforce for Manufacturing

Iowa Workforce Development later this month will begin accepting applications for a new statewide grant program designed to help manufacturers expand their training and to upskill workers as the companies add new technology to remain competitive.

The new program, Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa, launches June 29 as part of a $4.7 million grant Iowa received from the U.S. Department of Labor. Eligible employers who are approved will be reimbursed for up to 80 percent of their expenses to train current or newly hired employees. Grant awards will be capped at a maximum of $4,000 per employee trained and $250,000 per employer.

“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,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “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.”

Funding priority will be given to eligible small and medium-sized employers. Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) will serve as a technical partner to support employers in assessing their needs and identifying training programs.

CIRAS previously worked with award recipients under Iowa’s Manufacturing 4.0 initiative, which helped manufacturers invest in the smart technology and digital equipment needed to adapt and compete amid a rapid digital transformation. 

“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. The grant can help expand and reinforce the work already done or provide new opportunities to expand production even more, as supporting Iowa's manufacturers remains a key priority in Governor Reynolds' workforce strategy."

For more information, visit IWD’s AMP’D Iowa website.