Des Moines Area Community College announced that it has expanded its Workforce Training Academy tuition assistance programs on a districtwide level. The community college has provided the program — which provides free training in short-term certificate programs for placement in high-demand jobs — since 2007, but until recently had insufficient staff designated at each of its campuses, said Kay Maher, coordinator of DMACC Workforce Training Academy. Most of the DMACC WTA programs — which are tailored to Central Iowa employers’ workforce needs — can be completed within a semester or less, Maher said. Over the past year, DMACC has designated existing staff at each campus as the “WTA Team” to support the program, as well as augmenting with added staff at some of its campuses. The expansion was made possible in part by a partnership between DMACC and the Ames Chamber of Commerce to provide wraparound support services to students in Story County. “Those who are considering these WTA programs will most likely have responsibilities outside of the classroom, such as family, financial obligations, etc. and are not able to commit to extended time in a classroom,” Maher said. “Short-term training provides the skills necessary to start a career in an industry where there are opportunities to grow professionally and to become financially self-sufficient. In addition to the free training, we also provide job readiness and job search support. Our goal is to help our community become self-sufficient, and education is key.” More information about DMACC Workforce Training Academy programs can be found at this webpage.