Apprenticeships Play a Key Part in Retaining Iowa's Talent
Joe Murphy, executive director of the Iowa Business Council (IBC),
shared insights on elevating Iowa's economic vitality. He explained that IBC is about companies coming together to provide jobs and opportunities for everyday Iowans. In the past two years, with the effects of the pandemic, Murphy said they have worked to enhance Iowa’s economic growth even more.
Employment Opportunities in 2022
Prior to the pandemic, the state was in one of the worst workforce shortage crises it’s experienced, and due to the pandemic, the last two years were even worse. However, in the past couple of months, Murphy said more people are coming back into the workforce. He explained how developing young talent who can do a lot of things well, who can lead an organization or department early in their careers, is important.
Student Development
Work-based development opportunities are crucial to getting talent into a company’s talent pipeline. From the perspective of IBC, it’s important to develop these opportunities for students early on, including high school and even before. Murphy said this allows them to:
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Understand what opportunities they do and don’t like.
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Learn about the opportunities within the state.
High-paying and technical jobs exist within Iowa. IBC can make a difference by helping companies engage with students before they decide to pursue opportunities outside of the state.
Internships, Apprenticeships + Externships
IBC is 68% of the way toward the goal of offering 30,000 internships, apprenticeships and externships by 2025. Murphy said IBC has offered more than 20,000 opportunities since 2017, averaging a 10-15% increase each year, with the exception of 2021. Optimism is high within IBC as they identify solutions to create opportunities surrounding internships, apprenticeships and externships. In order to implement more apprenticeships within the state, where apprentices can earn a wage and learn about the trade or craft, IBC will put added emphasis into registered apprenticeship programs in 2022.
DEI + Organizational Success
Murphy said IBC members are taking steps to make people feel welcomed not just at the company, but also in the community where that company resides. IBC has implemented dedicated time for discussions that share best practices for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs at quarterly board meetings. Work-based learning opportunities can also serve as a DEI tool, showcasing opportunities and moving to eliminate barriers for more students.