PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES TRUSTEES RECEIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM UPDATE DURING MAY MEETING
SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa — The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees met Tuesday, May 20, at the Spirit Lake campus as part of the college’s series of traveling board meetings held across Iowa Lakes locations during the summer months.
During the meeting, the Board received a program update highlighting the Electrical Technology program at Iowa Lakes, led by Electrical Technology Coordinator Doug Zemler.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Kyle Norris introduced Zemler and recognized his 17 years of service to Iowa Lakes Community College and more than 32 years of industry experience as an electrician.
The Electrical Technology program, offered on the Estherville campus, prepares students for careers in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility electrical fields through hands-on technical training and real-world learning experiences. Students can complete an electrical maintenance technician diploma in three terms or pursue an associate in applied science degree in Electrical Technology.
Program curriculum includes training in electrical systems, motor controls, renewable energy systems, programmable logic control systems, industrial instrumentation, power generation, and the National Electrical Code. Students also gain internship experience and industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10, NFPA 70E Electrical Safety, First Aid and AED, and equipment operation certifications.
“Our goal is to provide students with the technical knowledge, safety training, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in today’s electrical industry,” Zemler said.
“There continues to be strong workforce demand for skilled electricians, and Iowa Lakes is proud to help prepare students for stable, high-demand careers throughout Iowa and the Midwest region.”
The program is approved through the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship training program.
“We take pride in providing students with practical experience that mirrors what they will encounter in the field,” Zemler said. “Whether students enter residential, commercial, industrial, or utility electrical work, we want them to leave Iowa Lakes confident and ready to contribute on day one.”
The Board also received an update regarding Iowa Lakes’ spring commencement ceremony, held May 15 on the Estherville campus.
This year, Iowa Lakes recognized 364 unduplicated candidates for graduation, earning a total of 483 degrees, diplomas, and awards. Approximately 220 students participated in the commencement ceremony.
“This year’s commencement ceremony was a tremendous celebration of student achievement and perseverance,” said Kyle Norris, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “It is always inspiring to see our graduates cross the stage surrounded by support from family, friends, faculty, and staff as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.”
Additional business included the Trustees approving a request to move forward with planning and design work for HVAC system replacement projects at the Emmetsburg and Estherville campuses, aligned with the college’s 2022–2028 Facilities Master Plan.
The next regular meeting of the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, June 16, at 4:30 p.m. in Spencer.