DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday announced a new grant opportunity intended to reduce language barriers in the job market. The Iowa Language Learners Vocational Training Program will help employers provide sustained English language instruction programs to foster better communication in the workplace.

“Here in Iowa, we are focused on removing any obstacles that may stand in the way of a successful career,” Governor Reynolds said. “When I travel around the state, employers regularly stress the importance of English Learner training. The Iowa Language Learners Vocational Training Program will provide employers with resources to offer or expand ELL training while supporting security, recruitment and retention efforts.

The Iowa Language Learners Vocational Training Program will provide a total of $5 million in grants to support employer programs that help employees improve their English skills as they relate to work-related tasks, policies or procedures. Applicants must be employers or groups of employers with at least 25 full-time employees who are developing or creating a language program.

“The ability to communicate is key to the success of any workplace connection,” said Beth Townsend, Iowa’s Workforce Development Manager. “This grant opportunity is another great tool to help Iowa employers find the skilled labor they desperately need and support employees interested in improving their workplace communication skills.”

Applications are now being accepted on IowaGrants.gov and are due Dec. 2 at 11:59 a.m. Interested individuals can learn more about the grant and the application process on the Iowa Workforce Development website.