In Iowa, we teach our kids to work hard and make the most of every opportunity — but there’s a growing disconnect between what schools are pushing and what our economy actually needs.
The problem: Too many students are told the only path to success is a four-year degree when some of the best-paying, most in-demand jobs in Iowa don’t require one.
From precision manufacturing to skilled trades and healthcare — these careers offer great pay, real security, and the chance to build a future without college debt. Meanwhile, Iowa has more open skilled jobs than workers to fill them, and our economy is paying the price.
Why it matters: When we undervalue apprenticeships and on-the-job training, we leave Iowans behind and let Washington’s one-size-fits-all thinking dictate what success looks like.
That’s why we introduced the PARTNERS Act — bipartisan legislation that uses existing grants to help employers build local talent pipelines through real-world training.
The bill reworks programs already on the books at the Department of Labor to:
✅ Design and expand apprenticeships so workers can earn while they learn
✅ Connect workers with in-demand skills training tied directly to industry needsÂ
✅ Provide support services to improve retention and long-term success
Bottom Line: The best way to strengthen our workforce is simple — connect Iowans who are ready to work with businesses ready to hire.