Reynolds visits Keokuk County Career Academy

            Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg stopped in Sigourney on Friday, Nov. 3 to visit the Keokuk County Career Academy as part of their 99 county tour.

            “We travel to all 99 counties to just get a feel of what is being worked on, maybe some of the issues that we are facing,” Reynolds said. “I have never had a chance to visit here before. Workforce is what we hear folks talk about this most on our tour, and the biggest concern businesses have is they just can’t find workforce they need to really grow.”

            Speaking on the behalf of education reform introduced by then-Governor Terry Branstad in 2013, Reynolds hopes to establish “a pipeline of talent” for high school students leave school to go onto a career or post-secondary education.

            “A really strong driver to that has been our focus on our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative,” Reynolds said. “I’m really proud of how that has brought business, industry, education, academia and students together. That collaboration is building relationships with our students in communities and helping students see what the workforce needs and the opportunities that exist for them.”

            Reynolds applauded the work that career academies across Iowa done to provide training for skilled trades for community members to find work in their areas and “showing young people there are opportunities out there.”

            “These opportunities don’t always require a four year degree,” Reynolds said. “Apprenticeships and certifications with two year degrees are available and career academies are an avenue our high school students can explore.”