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National Apprenticeship Week: Broadlawns Changes Lives Through Pipeline of Apprentices

Broadlawns Medical Center sits just north of downtown Des Moines in one of Iowa’s poorest urban ZIP codes. But over the past six years, the hospital has become a beacon of hope for 285 people who have launched themselves into promising healthcare careers. 

Broadlawns’ TEACH (Training and Education for Adults seeking a Career in Healthcare) and TECH (Training and Education for a Career in Healthcare) apprenticeship programs were honored by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on November 14 as part of Iowa’s kickoff to National Apprenticeship Week, November 17-23.  Reynolds toured the hospital, met with several apprentices, and signed a proclamation declaring Apprenticeship Week in Iowa.

Steve Johnson, government liaison for Broadlawns, highlighted the program’s focus on holistic support for apprentices. 

“We’re not just training people for a job, we’re looking at the whole person—understanding their challenges, their goals, and how we can help them succeed,” Johnson said. “The program provides not only skills but also the support they need to overcome personal barriers and build a future they can be proud of.”

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VIDEO: Voc Rehab Self-Employment Program Sparks a Business of Artistry

With the help of the Self-Employment Program at IWD's Vocational Rehabilitation Services division, JD Baumgarner was able to get the funding he needed to turn his metalworking passion into a career. Click the image above to explore Bumgarner's studio and learn about his special gifts.

With IowaWORKS Assist, Returning Citizen Finds Sandwich Success

The last time they locked Raymond Miller up, he realized it was time for a change. 

By then, Miller had spent roughly eight years self-medicating his mental health issues with a mix of methamphetamine and cocaine. Fueled by addiction, the former successful automobile salesman had “slid into darkness,” leading to a succession of charges that included theft, forgery, and unauthorized use of a car. “For roughly five years there, I was in the Linn County Jail more often than I was out.”

After one final probation violation, Miller says he embraced religion and discovered a new attitude. And then, he decided to act.

“Everything started my last time in jail,” he said. “I realized that one of my issues in the past was I didn’t have a plan… Sometimes, they let you out, and you realize that all know is the wrong people.”

So, when time came for Miller’s release last June, he erased his cell phone contacts and went to IowaWORKS. 

Five months later, this three-time felon is now general manager of a franchise Cedar Rapids sandwich shop – and an active participant in helping formerly incarcerated Iowans make the same turnaround that he made. 

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Learn by Listening

More than 35,000 downloads so far by listeners around the world. Hosts Ben Oldach and Kathy Leggett will introduce you to a host of workforce programs and people making a difference.

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New Feature: Starting now, watch this space every month to learn more about the people and programs of Iowa Workforce Development.

Vocational Rehabilitation Helps Sioux City Man Get New Food Truck Rolling

Richard Hull found the right ingredients for a successful career after working with the Iowa Self-Employment program at Vocational Rehabilitation Services. 

In 2020, during the height of Covid, Hull launched his own food trailer, IBK On Wheels, serving smoked chicken, ribs, bratwurst, mac & cheese, baked beans and more. 

“I’ve been cooking and catering for over 20 years now,” Hull said. “I started in the backyard with my uncle. I learned how to cook from my mother and how to barbecue from my uncle. We always had traditional Sunday meals and cook-outs mandatory every Sunday.”

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