NICC and Decorah's JB Holland Construction receive a $50,000 state matching grant

JB Holland Construction, together with Northeast Iowa Community College, has been awarded a State of Iowa "Employer Innovation Fund" grant.  The $50,000 matching grant will be used to purchase a simulator as a tool for recruitment, training and advancing employees, especially heavy equipment operators in Northeast Iowa.

The simulator will provide training for beginner, intermediate, and advanced heavy equipment operators.  The training will lead to non-credit certifications that can also transfer to a credit program should employees chose to pursue that path. JB Holland will train new employees with this model and increase the skills of current employees in an accelerated manner.

In announcing the grant on Tuesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said, "The Employer Innovation Fund fuels grassroots innovation, empowering Iowa businesses and communities to create solutions that help Iowans find a good-paying job in a high-demand career."