IowaWORKS and Kirkwood Community College will host a grand opening Nov. 20 for the new workforce services facility on Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids.
The IowaWORKS facility, in the former RuffaloCODY facility at 1025 Kirkwood Parkway SW, opened in late summer and serves as both the American Job Center for Cedar Rapids and a connection point to community college programs. The partnership between Kirkwood and IowaWORKS aims to expand workforce services and educational opportunities in the region.
Iowa Workforce Development Executive Director Beth Townsend and Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher will be joined by Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, Central Iowa Workforce Development Board Executive Director Tim Carson, and business and community leaders at the event.
“This partnership has not only created a centralized hub for workforce services, it also has enhanced our ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to the needs of Iowans,” Ms. Townsend said. “Local job seekers and the employers seeking their talents will now have easier access to the resources they need, and we’re excited to see the long-term impact this will have on the region.”
Carla Andorf, Kirkwood executive director of skills to employment, said the collaboration between Kirkwood and IowaWORKS simplifies access to services.
“When education and workforce services come together under one roof, it makes it so much easier for Iowans to find the support they need to reach their goals,” Ms. Andorf said. “Whether someone is looking to start a new career, build new skills, or connect with local employers, this collaboration helps make those opportunities possible.”
The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the facility and networking opportunities. The event is open to the media and general public.
IowaWORKS operates 18 locations across Iowa providing workforce services for individuals and businesses. Services include training and job search assistance programs.
Kirkwood’s continuing education and training services reports nearly 30,000 annual enrollments in classes ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment. Over the past 20 years, the college’s continuing education and training services has been associated with more than 14,000 new jobs created.
