Teaming up to launch career-ready training

A collaboration between Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) and Quad Cities regional companies like LyondellBasell (LYB), ADM and 3M is introducing a new fast-track Process Technology (P-Tech) program—designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in chemical and manufacturing industries. This program reflects our region’s commitment to align education with real-world career opportunities.

“Sixty-nine percent of the jobs in our region require some sort of post-secondary education,” said Brian Kelly, Vice Chancellor of Strategy, Support & Planning and President, Clinton Community College. “But that doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s degree. Oftentimes, that can be short-term training to meet that need,” he said, adding, "The P-Tech Program is ideal because the cost is low and the outcomes are fantastic.”

Joe Hoinkis, Site Manager for LYB, collaborated with EICC and other local companies to make the program a reality. “Once we got people on board, the program came together quickly,” said Hoinkis. “There are some great jobs right here in our community that people just don’t know about. This program creates a pipeline for industry, and it gives the kids in the community a path to a really good job,” he said. “But we couldn’t do it alone. We reached out to the plant managers and human resources personnel at ADM and 3M, who were all very supportive in getting this off the ground,” he added.

Completed in just two semesters, the P-Tech program equips students with the skills needed to become process operators—critical roles in plants that keep key sectors like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy and semiconductors moving forward.

The program is targeted at high school seniors and recent graduates, but Hoinkis says it’s a great program for anyone seeking a career change. “It’s a great opportunity for veterans - they can roll into a program like this and be done in a year,” he said.

Beyond classroom instruction, the program connects students directly to potential employers. Upon completion, graduates are invited to a career fair where they’ll meet and interview hiring managers from 3M, ADM, and LYB.

Career opportunities stemming from this program include roles such as:

• Manufacturing Process Technologist
• Pharmaceutical Production Specialist
• Process Technician
• Oil & Gas Process Tech
• Quality Control Tech
• Semiconductor Manufacturing Specialist

Each of these careers offers competitive pay, job security and a chance to contribute meaningfully to some of the region’s most important industries.

“We’ve got to find those little areas where we’re not connecting with employers, and we need to help meet their workforce needs. I think the success of this program will speak for itself,” said Kelly.