URBANDALE, Iowa - In 2003, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa approached Industry People Group (IPG) about hosting their job training courses for Iowa's disadvantaged; IPG knew it would be a great partnership. IPG, parent company to construction industry job board MEPatWORK.com, helps connect employers with employees nationwide.

The courses offered by Goodwill are for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Last year, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa worked with 965 people who were disabled or economically disadvantaged, teaching them skills on how to obtain and retain a job. Collectively, Goodwill locations nationwide have provided employment and training services to more than 720,000 individuals.

IPG is located in the Merle Hay Center just north of Merle Hay Mall, an ideal location for the courses typically held on Saturdays. "Because the bus route drops off at the Merle Hay Mall, it is the perfect location for our attendees who often do not have their own transportation," stated Linda Mileham, job coach for Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa.

"By letting Goodwill hold these types of job training classes in our office, IPG contributes to the community and the development of Iowa's workforce," said IPG's VP of marketing, Georgann Smith. Goodwill of Central Iowa offers a variety of programs to train job seekers in the skills they need for today's job markets and to help them advance their careers.

Industry job board MEPatWORK.com is a full service career/talent hub serving HVAC, sheet metal, refrigeration, controls, electrical, and plumbing industry professionals. IPG is dedicated to providing career services and job opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.

Publication date: 08/07/2006