Building Iowa’s Future Workforce Through Early Engagement

This year, take the opportunity to strengthen your workforce by engaging earlier, building awareness, and creating meaningful connections with the next generation of talent. With students across Iowa actively exploring future careers, now is the perfect time to introduce them to the opportunities within your company. Through initiatives like Elevate Iowa Manufacturing, you can play a direct role in shaping a strong, skilled pipeline for years to come. Here are several ways to get involved.

Engage with Students Early
Much of your future workforce is sitting in a classroom right now. Introducing your company to students in a K-12 setting is a proactive strategy that builds awareness and sparks interest in manufacturing careers.

By connecting early, you can:
• Increase awareness of career pathways
• Expand and diversify your future talent pool
• Strengthen your brand in the community
• Align student skills with industry needs
• Reduce long-term recruiting and turnover costs

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry engages students at all levels of their education journey and invites members to participate in these valuable experiences

Bring “Crystals of Innovation” to Your Community
One of the most engaging ways to connect with younger students is through Crystals of Innovation, a hands-on, gamified learning experience designed
for grades 4–9.

Through interactive challenges, students discover their strengths while exploring concepts like robotics, aerospace, additive manufacturing, and quality control. These activities build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills — all while introducing modern manufacturing in a fun, approachable way.

Bringing this experience into your local classroom is a powerful way to make a lasting impression and inspire future talent.

Expand Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to prepare students for the workforce. Work-based learning allows students to gain real-world experience while helping employers identify and develop future employees.

Through partnerships like Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates and Kuder via the iJAG Connect program, businesses can:
• Deliver classroom presentations
• Host facility tours and job shadows
• Offer internships and apprenticeships
• Connect directly with students through the iJAG Connect portal

If you’re new to work-based learning, support is available to help you build a program that fits your business and workforce needs.

Participate in the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour
The Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour is a statewide initiative designed to highlight the innovation and opportunity within Iowa’s manufacturing industry.

By opening your doors, you give students a firsthand look at modern manufacturing careers — helping reshape perceptions and spark interest in your industry. Students who experience your workplace today are more likely to consider your company tomorrow. Learn more about Elevate Iowa Manufacturing by visiting www.ElevateIowa.com. ABI