“Earn and Learn” Partnerships Impact Business Success, Recruitment and Retention

“Earn and Learn” PARTNERSHIPS IMPACT BUSINESS SUCCESS, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

It’s truly the best of both worlds.

Local businesses send their part- or full-time employees to Northeast Iowa Community College to develop their skills; these same employees, while receiving a paycheck, directly contribute their new skills and knowledge to the company. These “earn and learn” partnerships allow participating businesses to stay competitive, save time and money, without a slowdown in production. Long term, a business develops workforce talent and enhances employee retention. Paid training is also a plus when recruiting new people.

Progressive Processing LLC in Dubuque is one company partnering with NICC on earn and learn programs through the College’s Industrial Maintenance Technician degree program.

“Our partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College has been a significant success for our team at Progressive Processing. Team members at our facility look forward to the opportunity to be a part of this program, which offers them tuition assistance and the opportunity to gain new skills, while then returning with the ability for additional earning potential on our team,” Joe Muzik, plant manager, said. Through the earn and learn model, Progressive Processing employee-students are advancing into positions at the company with greater earning power and responsibility.

Some of our team members who have worked through this program have now gone on to help our team meet key organizational goals, while also improving their professional positions.

Joe Muzik

Plant Manager Progressive Processing LLC

Joe Muzik, Plant Manager, Progressive Processing LLC

The company contracts with NICC on customized leadership and management training needs as well, to offer growing leaders opportunities to complete a Project Management Proficiency certificate and a Leadership Development program.

“As workplace dynamics evolve, understanding how to excel at people management is so crucial. From sensitivity training, to time management, to leading various generations – there are many things for which to consider and NICC has been able to customize sessions for our learning goals that address our largest areas of need,” Joe explained.

Earn and learn programs and leadership training provide direct benefits to northeast Iowa companies of all sizes, from 10 employees to 500. Employee skill development contributes to success short-term and long-term.

STAY COMPETITIVE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT CUSTOMIZED TRAINING OPTIONS.

www.nicc.edu/customized-solutions