Iowa got some big news this week: a new $15 billion steel manufacturing complex is coming to Southeast Iowa, bringing more than 1,700 good-paying skilled trades jobs with it.
Bringing jobs like these to Iowa is only half the work. We also need to make sure Iowans have the skills and training to fill them, and that starts in classrooms like Chad Donahue’s.
What’s new: Mr. Donahue, a welding instructor at Des Moines Central Campus, was just named one of 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide to receive the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, bringing home a $75,000 prize for his program.
Team Nunn was proud to join his students and colleagues for the surprise celebration and present Chad with the Iowa Medal of Merit and a Congressional Record tribute.
Why it matters: When that steel plant opens its doors in Southeast Iowa, it will need welders, technicians, and skilled workers ready on day one. Chad is already training those future workers right here in Des Moines.
What we’re doing: We’ve delivered nearly $5 million for workforce training at Iowa community colleges, including investments to renovate and expand skilled trades labs. And we’re working across the aisle on the PARTNERS Act to connect more small businesses, community colleges, and workforce programs with apprenticeships and hands-on training.
Bottom Line: With new jobs like these headed to Iowa, teachers like Chad are making sure Iowans are ready to fill them. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to expand apprenticeships and skilled trades training so the next generation is ready to build what comes next.