IVRS Ottumwa Area Office staff attended the 2022 Build My Future event in Des Moines. This was a hands-on career day to learn more about the skilled trades industry. There were a large number of booths set up throughout two buildings at the State fairgrounds, including welding, masonry, electrician, carpentry, plumbing, operating, lineman, HVAC, and several others. There were 5100 students that attended from across the state, including several schools from our service area.

It was a great day talking with the different vendors about their careers, training, and employment needs. We look forward to our own hands-on construction days with our summer program in partnership with Indian Hills Community College where students will learn more about these trades and have hands-on construction related experiences through the program.