A coalition of large Iowa businesses with a quarter of a million employees is promising to offer 30-thousand internships and apprenticeships for students as well as “externships” for teachers by 2025.  Ben McLean  the C-E-O of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, is chairman of the Iowa Business Council. He says it’s part of the effort to get more skilled workers to fill job openings.

 

Principal Financial C-E-O Dan Houston says for the state to stay competitive, Iowa businesses must encourage students to get high-tech skills.

 

The Iowa Business Council members say their new “work-based learning” opportunities for high school and college students will strengthen the state’s “talent pipeline.”