Iowa Workforce Development has announced that the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship has been officially recognized as a State Apprenticeship Agency by the U.S. Department of Labor. The recognition follows Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signing SF 2411 into law to increase work-based learning programs across Iowa. The new office is now charged with overseeing and administering all registered apprenticeship programs in the state, which will center around expanding available programs for apprentices. Iowa had more than 9,950 apprentices, 957 active programs, and over 2,100 employers engaged throughout the state in 2023. “The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship is exactly what our state needs to help maintain long-term viability of this valuable training model. Having an office housed at IWD grants us better access to vital apprenticeship data and helps make creation and administration of these programs more efficient for employers,” said Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development, in a prepared statement. “The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship will help employers design programs that best meet their needs and connect them to Iowans looking for an earn-and-learn model of upskilling.” More information about the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship is available at apprenticeship.iowa.gov.