Manufacturing: Not a Dirty Job

Elevate Iowa’s Not a Dirty Job campaign launched this summer on social media, garnering over 100,000 views across the state of Iowa in less than three months. Not a Dirty Job is a video series that highlights Iowa’s manufacturing companies and the misconception of manufacturing being a “dirty job.”

Since the launch of Not a Dirty Job, the videos have provided Iowans with information about advanced manufacturing and the many career pathways available. Delivering the videos online through social media reaches an infinite audience that’s not possible with in-person events, especially amidst a global pandemic.

This is especially important for the upcoming generations who are making decisions about their education and considering career options. Elevate Iowa is passionate about highlighting the exciting opportunities available in advanced manufacturing. A career in manufacturing empowers individuals to join the workforce sooner and with less debt!

Advanced manufacturing provides a wide range of high-paying and in-demand careers. Manufacturing companies are in the top-third of employers in the state of Iowa and represent 14.4% of the state’s total employment! With innovative advances in technology, robotics, and augmented and virtual reality, the manufacturing industry continues to grow, providing new and exciting career opportunities for Iowans.

The Not a Dirty Job series has featured Accumold in Ankeny, Iowa Spring in Adel and Mobile Track Solutions in Elkader, Iowa, and plans to release more videos of Iowa manufacturers in the coming weeks. To follow along, make sure to follow Elevate Iowa!

Elevate Iowa is a statewide, integrated marketing campaign to promote careers and educational pathways in advanced manufacturing. The initiative is directed by a coalition of all 15 Iowa community colleges, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the private manufacturing sector and the State of Iowa. Elevate Iowa offers resources to the public and educational institutions to educate unemployed/underemployed Iowans and U.S. veterans, along with K-12 students and their families, about the opportunities in advanced manufacturing.