NICC is launching industry-driven Core Manufacturing Skills Certificate to bridge noted regional skills gap

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is addressing a critical challenge in the manufacturing industry with the launch of its new Career Pathway Certificate (CPC): Core Manufacturing Skills. Developed in direct response to the regional skills gap, this two-week intensive program is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and soft skills necessary to enter the workforce ready to contribute from day one.

The program will begin May 4 and be offered at both the Calmar and Dubuque/Peosta campuses. Unlike traditional academic tracks, this CPC was developed with input from the Manufacturing Alliance, a partnership of more than 40 regional employers - including organizations such as Deco Products Company, Featherlite, Rite-Hite and Unison Solutions - to identify and address workforce challenges. Additional employer partners involved in the program include Alum-Line, AVEKA Group, Calmar Manufacturing, Donaldson Company, FarmTek, Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Klauer Manufacturing, Mi-T-M Corporation and TriMark Corporation.

“Employers are on the front lines of industry and know best which job skills are important and which skills are out-of-date,” explained Director of Open Enrollment and Career Pathway Certificates Kyra Bellrichard. “Together as a group, they share current and future workforce needs.”

The curriculum focuses on “non-negotiable” industry skills, prioritizing a safety mindset, reliability and clear communication alongside technical mastery. Because the certificate is shaped by local employers, graduates gain an immediate advantage in the hiring process.

“Students are learning skills that regional employers have specifically identified as necessary for success, rather than broad or theoretical content,” said Erin Powers-Daley, executive director of workforce and programming initiatives. “Students complete the program with skills that are immediately transferable into regional jobs.”

The College is offering this class tuition-free through the State of Iowa Pathways for Academic and Career Employment (PACE) program, funded by the Iowa Skilled Worker and Job Creation Fund. For more information on the Core Manufacturing Skills CPC or to partner with the College, visit https://www.nicc.edu/academics/programs/core-manufacturing-skills/.