Iowa Skilled Workforce Act Advances Through Legislature

Legislation aims to expand apprenticeship programs and training opportunities

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Legislation to change areas of department-approved training and apprenticeship programs in Iowa moved out of subcommittee and committee on Wednesday, with amendments already established and more potentially to come. The bill, known as the 'Iowa Skilled Workforce Act', includes provisions to make intermediary sponsors eligible to provide apprenticeship training, increase state funding for apprenticeship programs, and encourage school districts to expand pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship offerings.

Why it matters

The legislation is aimed at addressing Iowa's skilled labor shortage by expanding access to apprenticeship programs and vocational training. By making it easier for intermediary sponsors to provide apprenticeship training and increasing state funding, the bill aims to boost enrollment in these programs and prepare more Iowans for in-demand skilled trades jobs.

The details

The bill would make intermediary sponsors, defined as entities that provide apprenticeship training to multiple employers, eligible to approve partner employers and sponsor apprentices. It would also increase state appropriations to the apprenticeship training program fund from $3 million to $4.5 million. Additionally, the legislation would create a 'career training physical expansion program fund' to support new facility construction by community colleges and apprenticeship programs for in-person training in high-demand fields.

  • The bill was approved by a subcommittee and the full Iowa House Higher Education Committee on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • If signed into law, the provisions requiring school districts to implement pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program expansions would take effect starting with the 2028-2029 school year.

The players

Jake Friedrichsen

Lobbyist for Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 33, who expressed general support for the legislation while also raising specific concerns.

Sandra Conlin

Lobbyist for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa, who noted the distinction between intermediary sponsors and lead apprenticeship partners as 'a small distinction' but 'kind of a big deal in the apprenticeship world.'

Rep. Taylor Collins

The Republican representative from Mediapolis who chaired the bill's subcommittee and introduced an amendment to the full Iowa House Higher Education Committee.

Rep. Heather Matson

The Democratic representative from Ankeny who sat on the subcommittee and expressed concerns about limiting language in the amendment, while also recommending her colleagues vote for the amended bill.

Jon Murphy

Lobbyist for the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades, who provided examples of how different trades require varying lengths of training programs.

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What they’re saying

“It's 'incredibly important' that the state does what it can to support apprenticeships and the trades, and I recommended my colleagues vote for the amended bill with the thought of more changes coming in the future.”

— Rep. Heather Matson, Democratic Representative, Ankeny (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The 'Iowa Skilled Workforce Act' will now move to the full Iowa House for debate and potential further amendments before a final vote.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a bipartisan effort to address Iowa's skilled labor shortage by expanding access to apprenticeship programs and vocational training. If enacted, it could help prepare more Iowans for in-demand jobs in the trades and support the state's economic growth.