Workforce & Training

Falls City has a job-ready workforce with a strong Midwest work ethic. The State of Nebraska offers customized, flexible job training assistance to upgrade and enhance worker skills. 

 

“We have found that the Midwest work ethic is indeed alive and well in Falls City.  People here are ready to work.  We enjoy a low turnover rate which translates to a more tenured workforce.  The average tenure of the workers at our plant is 13 years.  Add the availability of a willing workforce and you get the primary tools needed to meet your growth demands quickly. “

 

-John Martin

Plant Manager

Ames True Temper

 

Labor Availability and Characteristics

The Richardson County Labor Basin Study was completed for Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) in January of 2008 by The Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Fort Hayes State University, Hays, Kansas. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the available labor pool in the Richardson County Labor Basin - comprised of nine counties in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri - including education, occupational experiences and skills, desired wage and benefits ... and more.   Download the study to learn more about the availability and characteristics of the Richardson County laborforce »»

 

Nebraska Job Training Programs

Nebraska Customized Job Training Advantage provides a flexible and discretionary custom job training program to help ensure the state’s workforce is job ready and prepared for rapidly changing technology and industries. The purpose of the Nebraska Customized Training Grant Program is to provide employee training assistance to businesses that maintain, expand and diversify the state’s economic base and, in the process, retain and create quality jobs for Nebraska residents. These funds are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Program priorities are as follows: 

  1. Customized training projects that result in increased investment and employment and where the training assistance is a significant incentive for the project to be undertaken in Nebraska rather than in another state;
  2. Non-incentive customized training projects where there is increased investment and employment but no incentive is involved; and,
  3. Customized training projects that involve retraining of existing workers to upgrade their skills as a result of investment in new capital.

To be consistent with the overall purpose of economic development, training assistance is limited primarily to businesses engaged in activities which sell to a non-Nebraska market. Examples include: manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, and headquarters operations. Businesses whose activity is mainly retail or the selling of services to a local market would not be eligible. It is also used only for training full-time employees not involved in administrative support, management or facility maintenance. Only businesses are eligible applicants. For a comprehensive overview of the program, visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s website.

Nebraska Worker Training Program provides grants to  assist firms in the retraining and upgrading of existing employees. Grants are awarded on a quarterly cycle. A match of at least one dollar of employer's funds (including wages for participating employees) for each dollar of state funds is required. Use of program funds is extremely flexible. The type and length of training programs, training vendors and materials are chosen by the company. For more information on the program, visit the Nebraska Department of Workforce Development’s website. 

Visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Department of Workforce Development websites for additional employer workforce information, services and resources.

Innovative skills development and training programs have been designed to meet local employers' workforce needs, including a new welder training program to prepare Falls City High School students for jobs in manufacturing.  

Falls City has a fully staffed Workforce Development Office located at 1705 Stone Street, Falls City, NE 68355. For information on available services, please contact: Carole DeBusk, Employment Services Coordinator, by phone at 402.245.4401 or fax 402.245.4402 or email. 

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) works closely with the local and state Workforce Development Offices to coordinate information and assistance programs specific to employer growth needs.  Please contact EDGE for assistance with your workforce needs.

Higher Education and Training Resources 

Falls City employers and residents are in close proximity to a wealth of higher education and training resources in a multi-state area. Following are major life-long learning centers within a 120-mile radius offering professional education and development and skills training programs:

Within a 60-Mile Radius:

Within a 100-Mile Radius:

Within a 120-Mile Radius:

 

Dream It. Do It.™ Nebraska Campaign

Falls City and the State of Nebraska have a rich and progressive tradition in the manufacturing industry.  Learn more about the Dream It. Do It.™ campaign that is spreading the word to high school and community college students about the great careers in manufacturing.

 
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