Elevate Newsletter 
April 2018
2018 Elevate Iowa Scholarships Winners
Each year Elevate Advanced Manufacturing grants 15 $500 scholarships to high school seniors who are going on to an Iowa Community College in the fall  for a career in advanced manufacturing. This year elevate received 58 scholarship applications and all 15 community colleges will be recognized along with the awardee. 

Click here to read who the winners are!
2018 Legends in Manufacturing Dinner & Advanced Manufacturing Conference

On October 2nd, the Iowa Association of Business & Industry (ABI) and Elevate
Advanced Manufacturing will host the fourth annual Legends in Manufacturing dinner to celebrate the manufacturing industry and to recognize legends in manufacturing for their hard work and dedication to Iowa, the industry, and their company.

Legends in Manufacturing will be held at the Prairie Meadows Hotel & Convention Center in Alto ona. ABI and Elevate invites you to stay for the Advanced Manufacturing Conference on October 3rd at the Prairie Meadows Hotel & Convention Center. 

Legends in Manufacturing nomination forms will be available June 1st and will be found on Elevate e-channels. 

Manufacturing Day 2018
 
In the past three years, 297 counties and over 450 events have thrust Iowa into the national manufacturing spotlight. What is in store for year four, Manufacturing Day 2018, in Iowa? 

Click here to read more. 
Unique License Renewal Credit Opportunity for Educators - Teaching for the Workforce Conference Invitation - Summer 2018
 
DMACC Business Resources and the DMACC Career Discovery Network are delighted to again be partnering with the regional economic group Opportunity2 to provide a unique continuing education learning experience for K-12 educators and administrators in and around the Marion County region. 

The four-day conference will take place June 25-28, 2018. Participants will take part in industry tours, presentations, and hands-on experiences that will focus on the skill needs of the changing regional workforce. Upon completion of the conference, participants will receive two License Renewal credits through Heartland AEA.

The conference fee is $100, which includes your two credits and lunches for the week.

Click here to view the 2018 Workforce Conference agenda.

Kids, Families Explore Science and Tech at SCC's Annual STEM Fest
 


In February 2018, Southeastern Community College (SCC) hosted STEMFest in partnership with the Southeast Iowa STEM Hub.  More than 1,800 people attended 
STEMFest, which exposes kids and families to careers in STEM-related fields through hands-on activities, exhibits, and demonstrations. Participants explored STEM careers through robotics and healthcare simulations, as well as electronics and renewable energy exhibits.

Click here to read more. 
Reinforcing a Strong Pipeline for Iowa's Future
 
Coming out of the "Great Recession" in 2012, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and the
15 Community Colleges of Iowa collaborated in an unprecedented way that is currently reaping benefits for all Iowans given just a 2.9% unemployment rate and has created a solid foundation for new efforts to ensure Iowa's workforce is ready for the future. Together, these organizations created the Elevate Advanced Manufacturing campaign to promote career pathways in advanced manufacturing throughout the state.


Click here to read more. 
Difficult Conversation Courage
 
ATW Training logo

Often when we are faced with initiating a "difficult" conversation, we procrastinate. We think, "Things will just get better" or "This isn't really my problem to deal with." We remember conversations gone wrong, when someone has lashed out, gotten emotional, or remained silent. We make excuses, saying things like, "I don't want to hurt the other person's feelings." When we're temped to avoid a difficult conversation, we must consider the impact of not having the conversation; when we don't say what we need to say, the situation will stay the same or get worse. The only way to create positive change is to have the conversation you need to have. Here are a few tips to help you successfully navigate a difficult conversation
..
.

Click here to read more. 
Registered Apprenticeship:
A Winning Solution for Employers
and Job Seekers

The Registered Apprenticeship system provides an opportunity for workers seeking high-skilled, high-paying jobs and for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce. Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven model, combining on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction and allows the Registered Apprentice to earn a paycheck from day one.


Click here  to read more. 
Career Discovery Day on DMACC's
Newton Campus


The Career Academy at DMACC for Jasper County held a Career Discovery Day on the Newton Campus February 22, 2018.  It was attended by 61 area high school students. They could pick from three of the following career sessions: a uto collision , business , court reporting , criminal justice , culinary arts , electrical construction trades , health occupations , nursing , and welding. I n the afternoon, they attended tours at Jasper County Jail, Lauterbach/GMC, Skiff Medical Center, Graphic Packaging, and TPI.
 
To learn more about this event, contact Tanya Michener at tanyam.ndc@gmail.com.
Home Base Iowa:
Your Link to Veteran Job Seekers

 
Becoming a Home Base Iow a business is an efficient way to connect with skilled veterans and transitioning service members who are actively looking for work in Iowa.
Home Base Iowa businesses are the centerpiece of the program. Nearly 1,900 businesses have signed up to become part of the program and help fill the skilled labor gap in Iowa.

Click here to read more. 
Quick Study: Waukon High School Student Earns Advanced Manufacturing Certificate

Lukas Larson grew up watching his grandfather and father use a welder to make repairs on farm machinery and semi-trucks, and always enjoyed using his hands to build and fix things. As a student at Waukon High School, Larson decided to get a head start and put his skills to the test. He completed a career pathway certificate from Northeast Iowa Community College's (NICC) Welding program, and is now qualified for employment in advanced manufacturing.  He accomplished all of this during his junior year. 

Click here to read more. 
Manufacturing Facts
 
The False Perception:
Manufacturing careers are dirty, dangerous and dead-end jobs. These jobs are 'consolation prizes' for those who 'couldn't cut it' at a four-year school.
 
The Reality:
Advanced manufacturing careers offer outstanding pay and benefits (average salary of $77,060 compared with $60,168 for other industries*). These careers are high-tech, take place in clean and lean facilities and have growth potential.

Iowa Manufacturing Facts

* 2011 Bureau of Economic Analysis

By 2018, there will be a projected shortage of 6,672 skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing sector. 
 
Projected Career Growth by 2020 in Iowa:
 
- Computer Numerically   
  Controlled (CNC) + 23%
 - Transportation/Logistics +19%
 - Machining +17%
 - Industrial Automation +16%
 - Welding +14%
 - Industrial Maintenance. +11%
 - Tool & Die +8%
 - Manufacturing Technology. +3%

Video Testimonial 
 
Something More

Megan and Robert each had very different jobs, but they both wanted something more out of their careers.
Upcoming Events

 
April 24th, 2018: Parent's & Student's Tour at Agri-Industrial Plastics in Fairfield. The doors open at 5:30 PM and the event begins at 6:00 PM.  

Click here for more information. 

June 5th - 7th, 2018: ABI Taking Care of Business Conference in Coralville/Iowa City. 

Click here to register.


July 15th - 19th, 2018:
Business Horizons is held at Central College in Pella.
 
Business Horizons is the ultimate college and career experience for Iowa high school students to participate in an action-packed week of hands-on business activities, team competitions, leadership development and fun.

The program is perfect for forward-thinking students looking for an opportunity to explore career options, prepare for the working world, discover their personal strengths and more.

Click here to learn more.
Elevate Ambassador Highlight

There are over 170 Elevate Ambassadors across Iowa promoting a positive perception the manufacturing industry and educating their communities on advanced manufacturing careers. 

Since January 1st, 2018, Elevate Advanced Manufacturing has held two Ambassador Training's and has welcomed 26 new Ambassadors.

Click here to learn about the Ambassador's involvement. Contact Alex Monaghan if you or someone you know is interested in becoming an Elevate Ambassador.
Company Feature
Miller Products started in the 1920's as a bicycle shop then sold its bicycle interests in the 1930s to focus on manufacturing. In the early forties Don Miller patented a kickstand and manufactured them for Scwhinn until the late 1950's. Miller Products continued to grow its manufacturing abilities making parts for the agriculture, military, outdoor power products, marine, leisure and food industries. Today, Miller Products is a well-balanced company offering a complete one stop source for manufacturers and distributors.
Submit Your
News & Events!

Do you have an upcoming event or recent news that you would like highlighted on our website and to our followers? Visit our website to submit and we'll get them posted!
Connect with Elevate!

Follow us to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, news, and more!
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube