CARTER LAKE – A Carter Lake steel fabrication company “could not be more excited” about the success of its apprenticeship program through Iowa Western Community College. Owen Industries graduated its first two journeyman welders at a ceremony Wednesday. Thomas Stalbosky and Brad Dittman will now help mentor future apprentices. The company has three active apprentices and plans to hire several additional people for its third class. Dittman says the program will “make sure you’re prepared.” Stalbosky says the program allows you to learn on the job while earning a paycheck. Owen Industries offers the first competency-based welding apprenticeship program in the state. Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Western Community College, says the college is excited for the future of the program.

Brad Dittman, left, and Thomas Stalbosky show off certificates of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor after becoming journeyman welders through an apprenticeship program at Owen Industries in Carter Lake, Iowa, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.

From left, Owen Industries Plant Manager Nick Bristol, journeyman welders Brad Dittman and Thomas Stalbosky, and Owen Industries President Tyler Owen stand for a photo at a luncheon at Owen Industries in Carter Lake, Iowa, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.

There’s a growing need for welders and other skilled laborers in Iowa and across the country. Ron DeBord, vice president of human resources at Owen Industries, says there will be a shortage of 400,000 welders nationally by 2024. He said Owen Industries partnered with Iowa Western to recruit passionate individuals who desire to become welders.