Melissa is an exceptional partner in regional economic development. Her ability to coordinate seamlessly with Alliant Energy ensures that Winnebago and Worth counties are always positioned for growth. She is proactive, deeply knowledgeable, and highly collaborative- bringing her into a project early is a guarantee that things will move forward efficiently and successfully.
— Chad Hansen , Alliant Energy
Building Iowa's Workforce Through Work-Based Learning
20 Apr 2026
News
Work-based learning is one of the most effective ways to build Iowa’s future workforce, connecting students to real career pathways while helping employers develop talent early. Through hands-on experiences like job shadows, internships, company tours, and classroom engagement, employers play a direct role in shaping the skills and awareness students need to succeed.
ABI continues to expand opportunities for meaningful employer involvement by partnering with schools and organizations across the state. One key partner in this work is iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates), whose network of Career Education Specialists supports students in building career readiness skills and connecting with local employers. Together, ABI and iJAG are making it easier for businesses of all sizes to get involved in ways that align with their capacity and workforce needs.
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