EICC Employee Training and Professional Development Newsletter | January 2026
Stronger businesses. Stronger communities.
At Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), we’ve been helping businesses train and develop their employees for decades.
Our high-quality training enhances skills, boosts productivity, and develops strong leaders. It’s all part of what we do as THE Community’s College.
Our expert-led courses, workshops, and certifications are designed to meet the unique needs of your organization, helping your team stay competitive and excel in today’s fast-paced workplace. Whatever your goals, we have the training solutions to help your business thrive.
Professional Development
Gain a competitive edge in the workplace.
Customized Options
Create a program that meets your team’s goals.
Funding may be available to help with your company’s training needs through Economic Workforce Development Funds:
1. Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program (260E)
Supports businesses that are creating new jobs or relocating to Iowa.
2. Iowa Jobs Training Program (260F)
Provides state-funded forgivable loans or grants to Iowa businesses for the training and development of their existing employees.
3. Workforce Training & Economic Development (WTED) Fund
Supports Iowa employers in training and upskilling workers in industries like manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, and healthcare. Limited funding may also be available for nonprofits and municipalities.
To learn more, scan the QR code or visit eicc.edu/trainingfunds ⊲
Your workforce. Your success. Our mission.
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued partnership. The work we do together — training employees, responding to workforce needs, and helping people build meaningful careers — strengthens both individual businesses and our entire region. Your collaboration is what drives our success.
Looking ahead to 2026, EICC remains focused on connecting education and industry in ways that make a real difference. We’re expanding flexible, responsive training options and deepening partnerships that help employers stay competitive in a changing economy.
One of the most exciting developments is the launch of our new FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) chapter, the first in Iowa, created in partnership with several local manufacturers. This collaborative effort will give students valuable, hands-on experience while helping employers build the skilled talent pipeline they need. We’ll be sharing more details soon, and we’re eager to see how this initiative grows with your involvement and insight.
As we move into the new year, we invite you to stay in touch and share your ideas. What challenges are emerging in your business? What skills will be most critical for your teams? Your insight helps us shape the programs and training that matter most.
Thank you again for your trust and collaboration. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to build an even stronger Eastern Iowa.
With appreciation,
Ashlee Spannagel Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development,
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Featured Upcoming Classes, Jan. – May 2026
and Trades
Inside EICC’s Workforce Forum
How employers are helping design the future of workforce education
When it comes to preparing the region’s workforce for the future, EICC is doing something simple, and powerful: it’s listening.
At the college’s first regional Business and Industry Forum this fall, leaders from manufacturing, construction, and corporate sectors gathered to have a conversation. What emerged was a shared understanding the region’s success depends on strong, ongoing partnerships between education and industry, and a collective commitment to build those bridges together.
Earlier this year, EICC surveyed employers to identify workforce gaps, training priorities, and leadership needs across the region.
Ashlee Spannagel, EICC’s Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development, said the forum that followed the survey was held to deepen work already underway.
“It’s a privilege to have business and industry partners engage in a dialogue with us,” Spannagel said. “This is work we’ve always taken seriously, and the survey and forum were a chance to listen more deeply and align our next steps with what employers need most.”
Listening First
For Bobbi Jo Cox, Director of Human Resources at McCarthy-Bush Corporation, the opportunity to be heard is what stood out most.
“EICC could come to us and say, ‘Here’s our solution,’” she said. “But if you didn’t ask us what the problem was, we’d be working toward different goals. Having those questions asked is
so important.”
McCarthy-Bush, based in the Quad Cities, includes several construction, manufacturing, and mining companies employing more than 500 people at peak season. The organization regularly partners with EICC for safety and leadership training, and to secure Iowa’s 260E and 260F workforce training grants.
Still, Cox said time remains the biggest challenge in reskilling and upskilling employees. “You have to keep the business running while you train,” she said. “That’s why I was really excited to hear about bringing training on site.”
Spannagel said such feedback is helping EICC refine its approach.
“Time and shift coverage are the two biggest barriers to training,” she said. “That’s why we’re expanding on-site opportunities, building our bench of subject matter experts, and working directly with companies to develop training plans that fit their operations.”
Meeting Businesses Where They Are
For Michael Peters, Business Unit Manager at Clinton-based JT Cullen, the forum demonstrated how much can be accomplished when businesses and educators connect.
“We’ve worked with the Clinton campus before, talking with students about our company and the skills we’re looking for,” Peters said. “Being able to take what we learned today and apply it directly with our workforce is exciting.”
Like many manufacturers, JT Cullen faces the challenge of balancing training with production schedules. “We’re very project-focused,” Peters said. “Pulling people away for training can be tough. But what we heard today were ideas that make it easier, like customized training or having EICC instructors come on-site.”
Spannagel said flexibility has always been central to EICC’s workforce mission, and now it’s being expanded.
“We want every company, no matter its size, to have access to affordable, effective training,” she said. “For smaller employers, that might mean strategically placing open-enrollment courses that allow just a few employees to participate. For others, it might mean bringing our instructors right into the workplace.”
EICC is also leveraging facilities across the district to broaden access to technical skill training, ensuring innovation and accessibility go hand in hand.
Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions
From leadership training to technical skills, forum participants expressed common needs, and a willingness to collaborate.
“Everything I put on the survey was listed on that board,” Cox said. “It made me feel good that other companies are facing the same issues. It’s nice to know we’re not alone.”
Spannagel said that kind of connection is what EICC wants to foster.
“Employers have told us how valuable it is to learn from one another,” she said. “We’re committed to bringing industry partners together when there are shared needs. Together, we can provide solutions that are more meaningful and cost-effective than if we were working with one company at a time.”
Building the Future, Together
EICC has long worked with local employers to strengthen the region’s workforce, from customized training delivered directly on-site to leadership cohorts and grant-supported initiatives that help companies upskill their teams.
The insights from the survey and forum, Spannagel said, reaffirm and refocus that work.
“Our team will use the survey and forum feedback to shape programming,” she said. “We’ve listened, now it’s time to act.”
Action includes expanding technical training, leadership development, and what Cox calls “human skills” — communication, collaboration, and problem-solving — which still remain essential in the age of automation.
“When our people grow, our companies grow, and so does our community,” said Carol Reynolds, Vice President of Human Resources at Kent Worldwide, a longtime EICC partner. “That’s what makes this work so important.”
As EICC evolves alongside its partners, Spannagel said the goal is clear: build stronger programs and stronger partnerships to spark the next era of growth and innovation in Eastern Iowa.
Survey Results Highlight Regional Training Priorities
EICC data reveals workforce challenges, skill gaps, and shared opportunities
EICC’s 2025 Workforce Training and Development Survey captured the voices of 87 employers across Eastern Iowa — from manufacturing and healthcare to logistics, construction, and public service. The results confirmed what many business leaders expressed during the Business and Industry Forum: while industries may differ, the workforce challenges they face are strikingly similar.
Industry-Specific Priorities
The survey also identified sector-specific workforce training needs:
⊲ Transportation & Logistics: CDL-A and CDL-B certifications, DOT Hazmat, and driver testing.
⊲ Quality & Process Improvement: Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO auditing.
Leadership Tops the List
Across nearly every sector, leadership development ranked as the No. 1 training priority. Employers said developing people, especially first-line supervisors and team leads, is essential for retention and long-term growth. Skills in demand include:
⊲ Problem-solving and critical thinking, identified as immediate needs by most respondents.
⊲ Time management and prioritization, crucial as teams juggle production and training demands.
⊲ Coaching and mentoring, cited as vital for succession planning.
⊲ Employment law for supervisors, flagged as a key compliance concern.
Safety Remains a Top Priority
Even as industries evolve, one constant remains: safety. Businesses consistently ranked safety training as a top need, including:
Time Is the Biggest Barrier
Nearly 91% of employers said time was the biggest obstacle to training employees, far outpacing cost (44%) or shift coverage (47%). To overcome these challenges, employers recommended:
⊲ Onsite training ⊲ Modular formats ⊲ Evening or off-shift options
Urgent Needs in Skilled Trades and Technology
The survey revealed a widening skills gap in technical and trades fields, with employers emphasizing that strong fundamentals remain the backbone of operations. Top needs include:
⊲ OSHA 10/30 certification
⊲ Forklift and powered industrial truck training
⊲ Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
⊲ CPR, First Aid, and hazard communication
Emerging Workforce Shifts
Employers believe there will be significant change in the next two years, and a high demand for:
⊲ Automation and mechatronics
⊲ AI and data analytics
⊲ Succession planning to offset generational turnover
⊲ Preventive maintenance and hydraulics troubleshooting
⊲ CNC machining, manual machining, and welding
⊲ Print reading, measurement, and mechanical drives
Without these foundational skills, employers warned, operations slow down. At the same time, employers are looking to the future. Many anticipate rapid growth in AI, data analytics, robotics, and automation, reflecting the region’s increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Join Our Expert Network
EICC is building a stronger bench of subject matter experts (SMEs) to deliver training across Eastern Iowa — and we need your experience.
Perfect for retired or semi-retired professionals, these part-time roles connect classroom learning to real-world expertise, from technical skills and safety to leadership and “human skills.”
If you or someone you know has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and strengthening the local workforce, scan here or visit eicc.edu/sme to learn more. ⊲
Tell us a little about yourself.
Your Partner in Workforce Training:
BLAKE ROLLINGER, EICC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
My name is Blake Rollinger, and I graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2023 (Go Hawks!). In my free time, I love taking my dog Chief for long walks, hanging out with my seven nieces and nephews, and watching any kind of sporting event.
What’s a key lesson you’ve learned through your work?
I’m new to the manufacturing world, so getting to see and learn about all the unique and cool things made right here in Eastern Iowa has been an awesome experience. What I’ve learned is supporting these businesses is essential to keep them running efficiently, especially given their significant impact on our local economy.
Why do you enjoy being part of the Workforce Services team?
All our team members have a wide variety of experience and knowledge and have been more than willing to support me as I grow in my professional career.
What’s one message you would share with businesses?
Investing in internal employee training isn’t just about skill building, it’s a key strategy for retention and long-term success. When employees feel supported and see a path for growth, they’re more likely to stay and thrive. That’s where our team comes in. We specialize in tailoring training programs to fit your business’s unique needs,
ensuring your team gets exactly what they need to perform at their best.
What’s a common misconception about state funding for training?
A common misconception is that it’s complicated to access or only available for large corporations. Many state funded programs are designed specifically to support small and midsized businesses. Our team is here to support you every step of the way!
Can you share a recent success story?
A local manufacturer recently partnered with EICC to tackle high turnover and close skill gaps on their production floor. Through close collaboration, they developed a customized training program aligned with their specific equipment and processes. The results were impressive — operational efficiency improved, employee morale increased, and retention rates rose. Team members felt more confident, capable, and valued. With EICC’s guidance, the company also secured state funding to offset training costs, making the investment even more impactful.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If you’re a manufacturing company curious about customized training or how state funding like 260E or 260F can support your workforce goals, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out to set up a time to talk through your questions and explore how EICC can help meet your specific needs. Drop me an email at brollinger@eicc.edu or call 563-320-9739.
Customized solutions for your business.
At EICC, we know one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer a wide range of training solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization. Whether you’re looking to enhance employee skills or get the most value from your training investment, we’ve got you covered. Many of our public courses have been shaped by the needs of businesses like yours. Contact us today to learn how we can support your team’s growth.
Setting up customized training is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. We’ll start with a conversation to understand your organization’s needs.
2. Next, we’ll create a training plan that outlines goals, course content, hours, and a timeline.
3. Finally, we’ll deliver the training at one of our campuses or a location that works best for you.
Give us a call to learn how we can help your business.
A New Voice for Safety at EICC: Daisy Torres
For Daisy Torres, safety isn’t just part of the job — it’s personal. As Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ new Safety Program Manager, she brings a practical, people-centered approach shaped by years of hands-on experience.
Before joining EICC, Torres worked in management and safety roles, including with Target Corporation, where she led employee training and compliance programs. Those early experiences opened her eyes to the importance of clear, accurate communication in preventing workplace injuries. “Sometimes people don’t realize what they missed until it’s too late,” she said. “A sentence, a small detail — it can make all the difference.”
That understanding guided her decision to pursue a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, combining her on-the-ground knowledge with a deeper understanding of planning, prevention, and response.
At EICC, Torres is excited to expand the college’s on-site safety training programs, already a favorite among local businesses. She hopes to continue tailoring courses to meet each workplace’s specific needs — and to bring energy and accessibility to every class.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” she said. “EICC has such a strong reputation for community partnerships. To be part of that, and to help people stay safe while doing what they love, that’s what excites me most.”
