As part of a visit to both Vermeer Corporation and the Career Academy of Pella, Governor Kim Reynolds emphasized the growth of work-based learning statewide.

Reynolds was in Pella Tuesday as part of the National Association of Manufacturers’ Creators Wanted tour and for the launch of a patient care apprenticeship through WorkSmart Connector and the Pella Community School District.

With bipartisan bills such as Future Ready Iowa and many other statewide initiatives passed over the past few years, Reynolds says the future strength and growth of Iowa’s workforce may depend–at least in part, on how many middle school and high school students start exploring career paths as part of education.

Reynolds says her budget recommendation for these projects and K-12 funding will be tied to budget estimates released in December by the Revenue Estimating Conference.