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University of Iowa Labor Center and partners present pre‑apprenticeship graduates to council
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Summary
Program leaders and graduates told the council the five‑week Quality Pre‑Apprenticeship Program has graduated 67 Iowa residents to date (86% graduation in the most recent cohort), provides OSHA10/CPR and union interview opportunities, and aims to expand equitable pathways into construction trades.
University of Iowa Labor Center staff updated the Iowa City Council Dec. 9 on the local construction pre‑apprenticeship program and introduced recent graduates who described how the program led to jobs in the trades.
Robin Clark Bennett (UI Labor Center) said the program partners with the City of Iowa City, local unions, New Creations International Church, Dream City and area high schools to offer a five‑week evening and weekend course that combines classroom instruction and hands‑on tours of apprenticeship training centers. "These are earn‑as‑you‑learn programs that combine supervised mentorship on the job with training center instruction," Bennett said, listing OSHA 10 and first‑aid certifications and support for guaranteed union interviews in some trades.
Program statistics presented to council said 67 Iowa residents have graduated to date; the most recent session had an 86% graduation rate. Several graduates described outcomes: Justin Wojolulu said the program "really helped me... I'm very excited" about his path into carpentry; Herbert Whaley reported starting work as an ironworker after graduating; Alexa Ramirez said the program helped her secure a construction wireman position and an avenue into the electrician apprenticeship.
Councilors and staff praised the program as a workforce pipeline and noted regional interest in the model. A representative from the Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council said Polk County and other jurisdictions are looking at Iowa City's approach as a template for workforce investment.
Council thanked the presenters and congratulated graduates; no formal action was required.
