Iowa community leaders invest $900,000 to expand college's skilled trade labs

Iowa community leaders invest $900,000 to expand college's skilled trade labs June 29, 2026 | 1:02 pm CDT

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Woodworking Industry News

Iowa community leaders invest $900,000 to expand college's skilled trade labs

By

Dakota Smith

June 29, 2026 | 1:02 pm CDT

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The project builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to expand career-connected learning and workforce development opportunities. Photo by Office of Representative Zach Nunn. 

ATLANTIC, Iowa, Leaders from Iowa Western Community College, local employers, educators, economic development partners, and Representative Zach Nunn gathered in Atlantic to announce a $900,000 federal investment to renovate and expand skilled-trades labs at the college’s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers, strengthening the workforce pipeline that employers across southwest Iowa rely on. 

“In small towns across southwest Iowa, too many young people who want a good-paying career in trades have had to leave home to get the training they need, and too many never come back,” said Rep. Nunn. “This investment means a kid in Atlantic or Clarinda can train to become a welder, electrician, plumber, or manufacturer right here at home, preparing for the jobs local employers across the region need filled today. That’s how we keep Iowa’s next generation rooted in the communities they love and keep our rural economy strong.”

Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The investment will support renovations and equipment upgrades at Iowa Western Community College’s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers, expanding hands-on training opportunities for skilled trades.

To learn more, visit nunn.house.gov.

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About the author

Dakota Smith

| Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.

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