Skilled Trades Alliance

Where education aligns to meet the demands of a vibrant business economy

Our long-standing success and excellence in preparing high school students to be career ready upon graduation makes Central Campus Iowa’s Premier Regional Academy for Advance Career Training. Our achievements would not be possible without the generous support of hundreds of business and community partners like you. Demand for our students’ skills and abilities is nowhere greater than in the construction industry.
  • Significant decline of high school graduates entering the trades the past two decades
  • National reports forecast a 25% increase in construction job openings by 2018
  • Retirement of the majority of tradesmen is predicted within the next 5-10 years
These factors will intensify the labor shortage crisis – having an adverse effect on our state’s economic growth.

Business and industry leaders stand ready to support Central Campus with solutions for these real problems. We ask for your significant financial support to build Iowa’s Premier Skills Trade Academy.

“If we do not support and promote our industry, who will?”

Lumbermans Drywall & Roofing Supply President Gary Scrutchfield
Students will be immersed in job-embedded practices and internships while learning from industry mentors. The Academy will include industry-certified pre-apprenticeship curriculum and integrated mathematics, expanding our school-to-work program while maintain compliance with standard hiring practices of our partners, in:
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Welding
Your tax-deductible contribution will help provide much needed funds to support our instructors, construction materials, equipment and tools. You can make a pledge today to the Central Campus Skilled Trades Academy Fund by using this PDF: DM Schools Pledge Form – Skilled Trades Academy. The Skilled Trades Alliance Steering Committee has complete oversight of the Fund. Supporters receive a tax deductible letter for their records. An MOU process has been established for collaborative community partnerships. Thank you on behalf of Central Campus, our students and skills trades alliance of partners – your contributions and support will change our students’ lives while positively impact our economy. Download our letter and brochure to learn more and share with your business partners. Thank you for your consideration,

Steering Committee

  Tascha Brown Central Campus – DMPS Gretchen Critelli Des Moines Public Schools Rachel Flint Hubbell Homes Chuck Gassman Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Dan Knoup Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines Bruce Logan Logan Contractors Supply Brandon Patterson RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts Realtor Gary Scrutchfield Lumbermans Drywall & Roofing Supply Scott Turczynski Heartland Finishes, Inc.

Advisory Committee

  Bob Brown United Way of Central Iowa Clint Gadbury Central Campus- DMPS Rick Heintz Premier Plumbing, Inc. Ben Molloy Central Campus – DMPS Michael Murphy Central Campus- DMPS Jayson Waller Waller Construction, Inc. Ralph Young Central Campus – DMPS