A Booming Railroad Industy Could Lead to More Education Opportunities

More Education Could Be Coming for Railroad Workers

Manly, IA- Iowa's wind industry continues to grow. The Hawkeye state is now number two in the nation for wind power production and Minnesota is fourth.

It's getting so big, the North Iowa Area Community College is offering training to people who will be needed to maintain the towers. One instructor said the profession's popularity is growing and his classes are filling up.

"The wind industry needs people now. We're trying to meet the growing demand of the industry," said Josh Byrnes.

He and NIACC said the wind industry is helping to revitalize other business as well.

"Created another market for rail to bring in big units," said Byrnes.

Manly Termal workers see it everyday. Pieces of the big wind units are arriving daily. The Iowa Northern Railway Company said it just makes good business sense.

"It's much cheaper to haul by rail," said Mark Sabin, Vice President.

Rail traffic is growing so much, NIACC could one day offer classes for future railroad workers. Sabin said he's hoping to help establish a study program at NIACC. He said the extra training is only going to help people who want to get into the rail business.