Industrial sewing the next step in career for new Dubuquer

Thursday, June 20, 2019

DUBUQUE-Many newcomers to the Dubuque area arrive after having established accomplished and varied professional careers. Sharon Hasty relocated to Dubuque in summer 2018 when her granddaughter, Kia, was accepted at Emmaus Bible College in Epworth. Sharon’s career has included positions as a legal word processor, K-6 teacher, AutoCAD drafter in advanced manufacturing and assistant media buyer for an advertising agency.

Enrolling in Northeast Iowa Community College’s Industrial Sewing – Career Pathway Certificate program is the next career step for Sharon. Completing the program will open doors to employment opportunities.

“Sewing is a big thing in Dubuque, so it seems natural to have this program available at Northeast Iowa Community College, especially with two companies hiring graduates – Rite-Hite and Flexsteel,” Sharon explained.

Sharon and three students currently enrolled in the 144-hour certificate program this year are training on industrial sewing machines using materials specific to specific industries. Rite-Hite in Peosta donated heavy vinyl plastic for student use, and Flexsteel in Dubuque donated a variety of upholstery fabrics. She enjoys the durability of the industrial sewing machines, compared to her personal sewing machine at home.

“For me, my sewing machine was always jamming or there were issues with the tension. But this heavier machine is really intricate, constant and reliable. It’ll do a good stitch for you,” she said.

Sharon’s friend is a graduate of the Industrial Sewing program and recommended it to her. Funding through the Opportunity Dubuque program helped to support her training.

“I gratefully received funding for this sewing program through Opportunity Dubuque. I am really looking to develop my sewing skills further. My granddaughter will be at Emmaus for three more years, and I hope to stay in the Dubuque area indefinitely,” Sharon expressed.