Iowa Bioprocess Training Center

The Iowa Bioprocess Training Center houses an expanded two-year credit program in Bioprocess Technology, as well as a new Process Control Technician certificate program. In addition, a full menu of biotechnology training courses are offered through Iowa BioDevelopment and in response to the needs of the value-added agriculture industry.

Special features of the Iowa Bioprocess Training Center include a fully-functional fermentation pilot plant/training laboratory, a process control training laboratory, a bioprocess training laboratory, an ICN classroom, and virtual reality software simulating a fermentation plant for training purposes.

The initial concept for the Iowa Bioprocess Training Center emerged during meetings of the Indian Hills Regional Development Corporation, a three-county development group made up of city and county officials as well as several area industries and utilities. As a result of this concept, Indian Hills Community College spearheaded the design and financing of the facility with the close cooperation of a number of public and private partners.

Critical to the growth of the area has been the availability of an outstanding, well educated workforce.  The Iowa Bioprocess Training Center is a new, $2 million training facility located at the IBC, built to take our workforce's hardworking, mid-western work ethic to the next step.
 
Built with the assistance of the industries; Federal, State, and local governments; utilities; and Indian Hills Community College, the facility will offer state of the art training in Bioprocess Technology to new and existing employees along with offering a Bioprocess Technology Degree program.

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Iowa’s Employment Situation - Facts and Figures

• Iowa’s workforce consists of 1.6 million workers.
• Iowa's annual unemployment rate has been substantially below the national figure in recent years. In 2009, the unemployment rate was 9.8 percent, while Iowa had a rate of 6.9 percent.  In recent years, Iowa has consistently ranked as one of the top ten states with the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
• Because of Iowa 's productive labor force, unemployment insurance rates are among the lowest in the nation. In 2005, the new employer unemployment insurance rate for non-construction is one percent and continues to stay that way in 2010.

In today’s creative economy, workforce is an essential component to business success. In a commitment to a vital and prosperous economy, the counties of Mahaska, Monroe and Wapello have launched a number of workforce business services to serve companies in the Indian Hills region to address their major concerns: availability, capability and affordability.

IOWA is great for business!

We have the statistics and data to show you how Iowa compares to other states in key business and lifestyle factors. From census data to educational resources, key advantages to business climate and infrastructure, we have quantified and cataloged the information you need.

Click on the 50 state comparison chart to answer your questions about doing business in Iowa.

Workforce Links

Iowa Workforce Department (IWD) Labor Statistics by County

Laborshed Studies

Area 15 Regional Profile  

       Area 15 Regional Economic Profile (2005)