Cedar Valley manufacturers receive grants for worker training
Several nearby employers made Iowa’s first AMP’D list. The funding is aimed at skills for new and current workers.
Several Cedar Valley manufacturers are among the first businesses receiving state grants to train workers for jobs in advanced manufacturing.
Iowa Workforce Development’s October 13 AMP’D Iowa award list includes Blackhawk Engineering in Cedar Falls, ConAgra Brands and Power Engineering & Manufacturing in Waterloo, and Geater Machining & Manufacturing in Independence.
The first round totals $1,391,547 for 16 businesses statewide and is expected to support training for 631 workers across Iowa. Those figures cover the full state list.
The grants help employers design training for newly hired or current employees, including production and machine-maintenance skills. Awards can reach $4,000 per employee, with a $250,000 maximum per employer.
IWD says applications continue on a rolling basis while funds remain. Employers can find guidance at https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants/ampd.
The announcement does not break out award amounts or training schedules for the Cedar Valley recipients.