06/05/2026
From classrooms to careers, and a firsthand look at where that journey begins! 🚀
We recently welcomed community partners from Options Academy and Change Course to Southridge for our Classrooms to Careers event, where attendees learned about the many opportunities available through the Workforce Training Academy.
The group took a deep dive into each WTA program, asked thoughtful questions, and explored pathways that can lead to rewarding careers in healthcare, skilled trades, business/IT, and transportation. Afterward, they toured our training spaces, including the dog grooming lab, CNA classroom, Industrial Electrical Maintenance (IEM) lab, Iowa's largest welding lab, and several other hands-on learning environments.
Thank you to our community partners for spending time with us and helping connect individuals to training opportunities that can change lives.
Want to learn how we can partner with your organization, or learn more about WTA? Reach out to us directly by calling 515-256-4951 or emailing [email protected].
Change Course Options Academy-DSM
05/22/2026
🐾 From the classroom to cutting the ribbon! ✂️🎀
We had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fluff & Beyond Luxury Dog Salon, a beautiful new business opened by two of our talented students alongside their fellow groomer and friend. Seeing their passion, hard work, and creativity come to life in their own salon was such an exciting moment for our team!
Congratulations to the Fluff & Beyond team on this incredible accomplishment and exciting new chapter!
Interested in learning more about DMACC’s Dog Grooming program and how you can turn your passion into a successful career or business of your own? Visit FreeTraining.DMACC.edu for more information.
05/20/2026
Hands-on dental learning in action! ✨😃
Students in our recent 'Dental Sealants Level 2 Expanded Functions' course gained valuable real-world experience through hands-on lab training led by the expert instructors from Impact Dental Training. Participants practiced sealant placement techniques on extracted teeth and mannequins while collaborating in small teams to strengthen their clinical skills and confidence.
This Iowa Dental Board-approved course combines online learning with in-person instruction to help dental assistants advance their careers through Level Two expanded function certification.
Reach out for more information about our next class, email us at [email protected].
05/15/2026
🎓 From Training to Triumph: Celebrating the Future Workforce of Iowa 🎓
What an incredible night celebrating our Spring 2026 Workforce Training Academy graduates!
More than 300 family members, friends, faculty, and supporters filled the room to honor the achievements of our students, with additional guests joining from overflow rooms. Among them were 75 graduates who completed short-term training programs designed to launch life-changing careers.
This spring, WTA enrolled 137 students and achieved an outstanding 85% completion rate!
Students were recognized across programs in:
-Business/IT
-Healthcare
-Skilled Trades
-Transportation
We were honored to welcome DMACC Interim President Dr. Wee as a distinguished guest, along with keynote speaker Kyle Collins, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Graduates also heard inspiring words from student speakers Luis Morales (MIG Welding) and Kymberly Stevenson (Sterile Processing).
At WTA, students gain more than training. They gain opportunity, confidence, support, and a pathway toward meaningful careers.
👏 Congratulations to the Class of Spring 2026! Your hard work and determination inspire us all.
Learn more about FREE short-term training opportunities at: FreeTraining.DMACC.edu.
Des Moines Area Community College
05/15/2026