Pilot GDDC program to provide free child care for workforce training participants
3 Dec 2018
child care, GDDC
The impending launch of an innovative child care program could provide a ray of hope as Dubuque-area employers and economic development leaders confront deepening workforce challenges.
Officials with Greater Dubuque Development Corp. on Friday announced plans for a pilot program that will provide free child care in connection with an existing job-training and certification program.
The vision for the trial program was rolled out during GDDC’s semiannual Workforce Solutions Breakfast, which attracted 140 people to Diamond Jo Casino.
Beginning in early 2019, the program will offer free child care to about 50 area residents as they complete job training through Opportunity Dubuque and, ultimately, transition into new careers.
GDDC Vice President of Workforce Solutions Kristin Dietzel believes the initiative will help address workforce shortages plaguing the local economy.
“For us, this is about workforce,” she said. “We see this as a way to get parents in the workforce and to ‘skill up’ underemployed, low-skilled individuals who are held back from education and training because of child care barriers.”
The program would effectively enhance the offerings available through Opportunity Dubuque, Dietzel explained. Opportunity Dubuque is a partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College through which participants complete job training and earn certifications to fill in-demand positions in the local economy. (Full Article)
BY JEFF MONTGOMERY jeff.montgomery@thmedia.com
Reposted with permission from TH Media
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