EICCD - latestnews - Alcoa donates to Career Link +

EICCD receives $150,000 from Alcoa Foundation for workforce development

For most underemployed and unemployed people, all they need is a chance; a chance to demonstrate their work skills, a chance to demonstrate their work ethic, a chance to show just how good of a worker they can be.

That’s the philosophy behind Eastern Iowa Community College District’s (EICCD) new workforce skill development program. The program is being made possible thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation.

Alcoa's John Riches presents Scott Community College President Dr. Tom Coley with a check for $150,000 to support expansion of Career Link workforce development program

Alcoa's John Riches presents Scott Community
College President Dr. Tom Coley with a check for
$150,000 to support expansion of Career Link
workforce development program

Eligible applicants for the program will be from a minority and/or low socio-economic population from throughout the Iowa and Illinois area. Individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of career training and employment assistance services.

Scott Community College President Dr. Thomas Coley worked with Alcoa in securing the donation. He said the funding will be administered through EICCD’s Career Link Essentials+ program and will be a welcome addition to that program.

“Expanding opportunities for employment entrance and advancement to individuals who want a chance to contribute is in the long term interest of the college and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Coley. “We are very grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for recognizing this as well and for making this
program possible.”

Participants in the program will receive assistance in obtaining employment by taking advantage of many of the tools currently available in Eastern Iowa Community College District’s Career Link Essentials+ program.

However, the key component of this new funding is its emphasis on post-employment assistance. Once employed, the individuals can take advantage of company mentoring programs, job coaching and personal development classes.

“We understand that the first few months of employment can be the most difficult and we want to make sure we are providing individuals with the continuing support they need to be successful in the workplace,” Dr. Coley said. “Not only does this benefit the individual but also the employer. Employers benefit by knowing they are hiring a determined employee who will receive the support he or she needs to be a long-term contributor to the company.”

Career Link is designed to build the skills being looked for by employers. Participants enter into one of two tracks, either manufacturing or non-manufacturing. Once they complete the program they become eligible to enter into a number of different certificate programs.

The manufacturing path is a four-week evening program designed to build skills in computers, OSHA/safety, teamwork, communication, blueprint reading and industrial math. The non-manufacturing path is a two-week program in computers, teamwork and communication.

Certificate programs for graduates of the manufacturing track include:

• Production Welding	• Logistics	• CNC Machinist
• Industrial Electricity	• Truck Driving	• Industrial Maintenance

Certificate programs for graduates of the non-manufacturing track include:

• Child Development Associate	• Clerk/Receptionist	• Customer Service
• Medical Transcription	• Accounting Assistant	• Home Care Aide
• Food Service/Dietary Manager	• Nurse Aide	• Pharmacy Technician

Individuals interested in further information about the program should contact Career Link Essentials+ Project Director Chris Banker at 563-441-4367.