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DMACC Expands Its Workforce Training Academy (WTA) Programs

Posted November 12​, 2021

DMACC Expands Its Workforce Training Academy (WTA) Programs

Posted November 11​, 2021​​​

  • DMACC designates staff to help unemployed and underemployed Central Iowans qualify for free short-term training programs, as long as funding remains available.
  • Most of the DMACC WTA programs can be completed within a semester or less.
  • ​DMACC offers WTA Certificate Training at its Campuses and Centers in Ames, Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Des Moines, Newton and Perry.

DMACC is expanding its Workforce Training Academy (WTA)​ tuition assistance district-wide by designating staff to help unemployed and underemployed central Iowans qualify for free, as long as funding remains available, short-term training programs that lead to high-demand jobs.

The DMACC WTA programs offer free training for people looking for employment or want to advance their careers but may not currently be in the position to devote years in the classroom.

“Those who are considering these WTA programs will most likely have responsibilities outside of the classroom, such as family, financial obligations, etc. and are not able to commit to extended time in a classroom," said Kay Maher, DMACC Workforce Training Academy Coordinator. “Short-term training provides the skills necessary to start a career in an industry where there are opportunities to grow professionally and to become financially self-sufficient. In addition to the FREE training, we also provide job readiness and job search supports. Our goal is to help our community become self-sufficient and education is key!"

Mayer said most of the DMACC WTA programs can be completed within a semester or less. DMACC has educational opportunities for everyone, and DMACC's district campuses and centers for WTA certificate training include Ames, Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Des Moines, Newton and Perry.  

If you would like to learn more about the FREE short-term certificate offerings at a DMACC locaion near you, please call Mollie Vetter at 515-697-7713 or visit the WTA website at www.dmacc.edu/freetr​aining.

If you are an employer and have questions about training needs or opportunities, please contact Mary Bruscher at 515-256-4912.​​​​

Young Adult Program featured on Hello Iowa

Posted May 14, 2021​

DMACC Young Adult Program Navigator Alyssa Czapla talks about the YAP program.  Watch the video:

Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grant

posted 1/11/2021

Story County was 1 of 65 Innovation grants awarded this Fall to provide job skills training to those impacted by the pandemic.

Organizing partners included DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy, Continuing Education and Business Resources, United Way of Story County, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Center for Creative Justice, and Story County College Access Network (SCCAN). Other partners included Nevada Community School District, IowaWorks, Ames Public Library, and YSS Youth Employment.

This project provided the following DMACC certificate training:

Basic Nurse Aide students

Basic Nurse Aide

MIG Welding students

MIG Welding

Manufacturing Production Technician students

Manufacturing Production Technician

Many wraparound services were included such as tuition assistance, transportation, child care assistance, wifi, case management, career readiness, and computer literacy.  Chromebooks were loaned to the students during the training and gifted to them upon completion.  We are proud of the 26 graduates and look forward to hearing about their continued success as they begin new careers.

KCCI News at Noon Feature

DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy was featured on Monday, February 25th News at Noon to promote our Careers in the City event March 14th.

KCCI Anchor Rheya Spigner with WTA graduate Kimberly Garcia who was interviewed

KCCI Anchor Rheya Spigner with WTA graduate Kimberly Garcia who was interviewed.​

Rheya with WTA Public Ally Reeva Neighbors

Rheya with WTA Public Ally Reeva Neighbors

Community Colleges Work with Adult Learners

Source: Des Moines Register - June 15, 2015

At Des Moines Area Community College, students over the age of 26 make up about 20 percent of the student population. Mike Hoffman, executive director of continuing education at DMACC, shared with the Register some insights on why the number of adult learners is increasing, what concerns those students have and why returning for more education can be beneficial...