Carter Lake, Iowa-based Owen Industries (an AISC member) is now an official registered apprenticeship sponsor and offers a three-year, competency-based welder apprenticeship program. In August the company began an interview and selection process, seeking four welder apprentices to offer on-the-job training as well as worksite classroom training, in partnership with Iowa Western Community College, at no cost to the apprentice.
Tyler Owen, president of Owen Industries, stated, “We are very excited to offer an ongoing Welding Apprenticeship program to individuals interested in establishing their career path.” After successful completion of Owen’s program, welder apprentices will receive a nationally recognized Journeyman apprenticeship certificate from the United States Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship (OA).
Owen Industries offers full-time employment to their apprentices, thus an opportunity to earn a good wage while learning a new skill. “Our goal is to ensure that this new program provides high-quality training and produces skilled, competent workers who may not otherwise have an entry-level opportunity in a skilled trade of their interest,” said Owen. “Finding and training dedicated workers is a win-win for our community and necessary for growing both our business and our local economy. Owen Industries is committed to helping equip our welder apprentices with the necessary skills to contribute to that growth.”
In 2014, the Iowa Legislature enacted the Iowa Apprenticeship Act. Its purpose is to increase the number of registered apprentices in Iowa by assisting eligible apprenticeship programs. This act is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in coordination with DOL/OA. An apprenticeship training fund is established with the State Treasury, under the control of the IEDA, with an annual standing appropriation of $3 million.
Owen Industries’ welder apprenticeship program is an ongoing program and open to anyone who applies at their Carter Lake, Iowa, location, regardless of where they live. For questions or more information about the program, please contact Ronald D. DeBord, Owen Industries vice president of human resources, at 712.347.5500 or rdebord@owenind.com.