DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy: Short-Term Training, Long-Term Results

Have you thought about going to college but didn’t think you had the time or money? Does the idea of taking college classes overwhelm you? Do you have career interest you’ve wanted to pursue but weren’t sure where to start? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy (WTA) may be for you!

What is WTA?

WTA is a tuition assistance program for short-term certificates in high-growth/high-demand industries. What does this mean for you? It means that you can earn a DMACC certificate at no cost to you — yes, FREE! In addition to paying your tuition, we also pay for the books and supplies required for the class. Short-term training means you can earn a certificate in four months or less.

Certificate Training Programs include:

1. Business/IT
   1. Administrative Support Professional
   2. Dog Grooming
   3. IT Helpdesk Fundamentals
2. Healthcare
   1. Nurse Aide
   2. Healthcare Patient Services
   3. Phlebotomy
   4. Sterile Processing/Supply Tech
3. Skilled Trades
   1. Computer Numerical-Controlled Operator/Programmer (CNC)
   2. MIG Production Welding
4. Transportation
   1. Commercial Vehicle Operator (Class A)

Learn more about these programs: Certificates

How Does WTA Support Students?

WTA meets with students on a regular basis to ensure success. We understand that life happens outside of the classroom. We are here to help students identify resources so that life’s challenges don’t keep them from completing their training. We also support students with job readiness. This includes having a current and industry-specific resume, fine-tuned interview skills and understanding the many ways to conduct a job search. Whether your goal is to find employment or to further your education, we can help you determine a path that aligns with your career goals.

Employer Partners

WTA would not be successful without employer partners. To begin, our classes are taught by instructors who are or have worked in the industry they are teaching. Several instructors are hiring managers or they own their own business so our students get first-hand, real-life experience.

Our certificate training programs are employer-driven. This means that programs are developed based on industry needs that are in demand. Did you know that dog grooming salons have to turn customers away every day due to lack of dog groomers? After much planning and many meetings with local employers, we now train up to 12 students each semester that are ready to fill these positions. Bear Clips is DMACC’s professional dog grooming salon. This certificate was just an idea two years ago and is now a full-fledged training program. Check out Bear Clips and schedule an appointment for your dog. Not only will your dog receive great service but our students will get the hands-on training and experience they need to be successful in this industry. They do an awesome job!

Let us know if your business or industry has training or hiring needs. As mentioned, we assist our students with the job search process and are always looking for opportunities to make that hiring connection. Maybe you have questions about our training programs or have ideas for other training opportunities. It all starts with a conversation!

How Do I Qualify for FREE Training?

Start by completing an online WTA application. Our team will follow up with you regarding next steps.

WTA steps to qualify:

1. Complete a WTA application
2. Submit the following documentation
   1. Applicant Income Information
   2. Proof of High School Completion
   3. Proof of State Residency
3. Complete a Math and Reading assessment
4. Complete ‘Navigating Your Journey’ pre-enrollment class

Does WTA Work?

While our data says that WTA does work, our students say it better.

WTA enrolls 300-325 students per year and we have an 83% completion rate. 79% of our students have found NEW employment after training and they saw a 25% increase in wages.

Success Stories: Meet Milo and Katie.

Milo completed our IT Helpdesk certificate and Katie earned her Nurse Aide certificate.

Milo and WTA

 

Katie and WTA

Katie Saravia, whose parents were born in El Salvador, grew up in Hispanic home using her first language, Spanish. She found the Young Adult Program (YAP) and WTA through her high school counselor. Uncovering her own potential was easy thanks to her participation. Everyone involved in the program helped to educate her on everything from paying tuition to preparing for an interview and registering for classes. After finishing her training, she is now a certified nursing assistant and also has an advanced nursing aid certification. Determined for the next steps in her career, she is currently finishing prerequisites for nursing at DMACC.

Check out our website or call (515) 256-4951 for more program information. Whether you are a potential student or an employer, we’d love to hear from you!

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.