This bill aims to enhance educational and internship opportunities in skilled trades within Iowa by modifying existing programs related to the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Summer Youth Corps, and the College Student Aid Commission. It introduces new provisions that integrate skilled trades curricula, such as welding, carpentry, and automotive mechanics, into educational programs, particularly through the Iowa Youth Summer Corps program, which will now utilize service-learning approaches to improve student engagement and job skills. The internship program will also expand to support students studying skilled trades, ensuring pathways to permanent employment with Iowa employers.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to prioritize the recruitment of teachers for skilled trades and STEM fields, establishing a collaborative initiative within the Department of Education to support skilled trades curricula and professional development for instructors. It mandates postsecondary institutions to report on the enrollment of females and minorities in skilled trades programs, promoting inclusivity. The bill also modifies the national guard service scholarship program to focus on educational incentives for skilled trades and updates the teach Iowa scholar program to include applicants preparing to teach in these fields. Overall, the legislation seeks to bolster Iowa's skilled trades workforce by enhancing educational frameworks and internship opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15H.5, 84A.21, 256.11, 256.111, 256.211, 256.210, 261E.3