Jim Wightman

Experience

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  U.S. Navy

  Aug 1988 - Jul 2014

  U.S. Navy - Various Positions

  Served in various positions of increasing responsibility throughout a 26 year career.

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  Iowa Workforce Development

  Nov 2014 - Sept 2016

  • Advocated for veteran hiring by building relationships with businesses, industry leaders, and community organizations.• Represented IowaWORKS at national events, promoting employment and quality-of-life opportunities for veterans.• Developed training programs to help veterans translate military skills into civilian careers.• Led regional outreach efforts, serving as a spokesperson for veteran employment initiatives. • Assisted companies in identifying qualified candidates and enhancing hiring strategies.• Coordinated the Central Iowa Regional Career Fair, connecting over 100 employers with 500+ job seekers.• Developed marketing campaigns utilizing traditional and digital media to promote workforce initiatives.• Supported the Home Base Iowa Program by helping military applicants transition into civilian careers.

  • Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER)

    Apr 2015 - Sept 2016

  • Business Marketing Specialist

    Nov 2014 - Apr 2015
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  United States Department of Labor /Office of Apprenticeship

  Sept 2016 - Sept 2020

  Apprenticeship and Training Representative

  • Managed 310 Registered Apprenticeship programs, supporting 789 employers and over 3,400 apprentices statewide.• Developed and registered 192 new apprenticeship programs, tailoring training models to industry needs.• Partnered with high school administrators to establish 16 youth apprenticeship programs spanning 22 school districts.• Conducted 135 program quality assurance assessments, ensuring compliance and program excellence.• Collaborated with Iowa Workforce Development and Economic Development Authority on grant applications and program reporting. Show less

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  Dept. of Labor- Office of Apprenticeship

  Sept 2020 - now

  Nebraska State Director

  • Leads statewide efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs, collaborating with businesses, education institutions, and workforce agencies.• Drives strategic initiatives to enhance workforce development and economic opportunities for employers and job seekers.• Spearheads partnerships with state and local organizations to promote apprenticeships as a workforce solution.• Oversees 1 national and 113 active state programs, supporting 113 program sponsors, 386 participating employers and more than 4,300 apprentices.• Expanded apprenticeship opportunities by adding 56 new program sponsors, and 235 participating employers, strengthening workforce engagement and industry collaboration.• Integrated 77 new occupations into apprenticeship programs, addressing industry demands and workforce needs. Show less