Nunn Secures $900,000 to Expand Skilled-Trades Training in Southwest Iowa

"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.

In Clarinda, the project will modernize the college's Mechanical Technology space to support welding, advanced manufacturing, and apprenticeship-based learning. In Atlantic, underutilized space will be transformed into a new lab dedicated to manufacturing, construction, electrical, and plumbing instruction. The expanded facilities will serve high school students earning dual credit, adults pursuing a new career, and workers looking to add new skills - all without leaving southwest Iowa.

The project builds on Rep. Nunn's broader efforts to expand career-connected learning and workforce development opportunities across Iowa. Earlier this month, Rep. Nunn announced a $2 million federal investment at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to modernize campus facilities and expand workforce training programs. Rep. Nunn is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to strengthen apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers, helping more young Iowans launch successful careers without leaving the communities they call home.

Local leaders welcomed the investment as a boost for the region's workforce.

"We are grateful to Congressman Nunn for his support of Iowa Western's efforts to expand career and technical education opportunities throughout southwest Iowa," said Dr. Daniel Kinney, President, Iowa Western Community College. "These facility improvements will help us increase access to high-quality workforce training for students ranging from high school learners to adult non-credit participants, allowing more residents to gain in-demand skills while remaining in the communities they call home."

"In my line of work, which is economic development, the partnership between IWCC and our workforce is very important," said Jennifer McEntaffer, Economic Development Director, Cass Atlantic Development Corporation. "The trades are vital in rural Iowa. Our local businesses benefit greatly from the wide range of training and courses offered locally. It is also important to note that students who attend college here are much more likely to stay in our community. Our goal is to see our community grow and thrive, and this funding will be instrumental in that."

"Since Congressman Nunn has been in office, he's been a big supporter of family friendly initiatives, from the Stuart childcare center to helping Griswold with USDA grant navigation, the legislation he's been supporting has really helped families here in Southwest Iowa," said Steve Baier, Cass County Supervisor.

"This is a big win for Atlantic. Thanks to the hard work from our congressman Zach Nunn, 900,000.00 is being invested in our community to expand skilled trades," said Atlantic Mayor Rob Clausen. "This is a real investment in our people, our businesses and our future, and we're proud to host this project here in Atlantic."

Photos from the press conference are available here.

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