Iowa Biotechnology/Bioprocessing Workforce Development Model Project PDF Print E-mail

The Iowa Biotechnology/Bioprocessing Workforce Development Model Project is a statewide project with Indian Hills Community College in Region 15 assuming the leadership role. Partners include:

  • Iowa Economic Development
  • Iowa Biotechnology Association
  • Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
  • Des Moines Area Community College
  • Iowa Workforce Development

as well as biotechnology industry partners:

  • Cargill, Inc.
  • Genencor;
  • Pioneer Hy-Brid International
  • Garst Seed
  • Phytodyne
  • Kemin Industries

as well as other members of the Iowa Biotechnology Association and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

This project was funded by a grant awarded under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The amount of the award is $996,250 and the project originally ran from June 30, 2004, to June 30, 2006. It has been extended through June 30, 2007.

This project will specifically:

  1. Promote and market the bioscience industries as a whole to the residents of Iowa.
  2. Grow Iowa's future workforce by educating middle and high school students and Iowa Job Corps participants about biotechnology/bioprocessing and career options available and coordinate multiple opportunities for science teachers to build curriculum and skills in the biotechnology field.
  3. Provide pre-employment assessment and training to the unemployed and underemployed in cooperation with Workforce Development.
  4. Provide training and retraining for existing workforce based on a statewide biotechnology industry training needs assessment.
  5. Develop and deliver industry-specific training programs for Iowa's rapidly growing ethanol industry.
  6. Assess needs and develop curriculum for biotechnology technicians specializing in Proteomics.

For information on this project, please call Indian Hills Community College's Iowa Bioprocess Training Center at 641.969.4167 or 800.726.2585, ext 1985. Or you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Project Coordinator.

To inquire about this WIA-funded program using TDD/TTY, call 641.969.4167.