Governor Terry Branstad is proposing creation of a new, state-run clearinghouse to help direct workers and students into college training programs and apprenticeships so they can land a job.
“One of the challenges the lieutenant governor and I hear as we travel the state is we have good jobs, but we can’t find people with the right skills,” Branstad says.
The “Center for Human Capital Enrichment” that Branstad envisions would be run by two stte agencies — the Iowa Workforce Development agency and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Branstad says educators as well as business people would be involved in the public-private partnership.
“Make sure that we’re doing a better job of preparing people and matching people with the kills with the jobs that are available in the state of Iowa,” Branstad says.
It’s more about coordination than about spending more money, according to Branstad, who says he may be able to order creation of this new center himself and appoint its leaders from government and the private sector himself rather than depend on legislators to pass a bill outlining the center’s structure and objectives.
Branstad outlined his idea Tuesday during a speech to the Greater Des Moines Partnership which is an alliance of 21 central Iowa chambers of commerce. Jack Hatch, the Democrat running against Branstad this year, is set to address the same group on Thursday.
AUDIO of Brantsad’s remarks to Greater Des Moines Partnership, 45:00
