The Iowa Department of Education on Wednesday announced it has received U.S. Department of Labor recognition to oversee development of a new career pathway program designed to help more Iowans gain the skills and knowledge needed for in-demand jobs. The Iowa Department of Education is one of 18 organizations across the country to be recognized as a Standards Recognition Entity. The SREs are third-party industry and workforce leaders that will evaluate, recognize and monitor Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, which provide apprentices with industry-recognized credentials. The SRE recognition is valid for five years. Information technology will be the first industry of focus for IRAP development, but the program eventually will be expanded to other industries and occupations. The Department of Education, in partnership with Iowa Workforce Development, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa’s community colleges, will meet with industry leaders in the information technology field next month to develop standards and related performance requirements for occupations including those in software development, database administration and cybersecurity, among others.