Iowa Workforce Development will host more than 25 workforce roundtables this fall in an effort to partner with business in addressing the state’s workforce shortage.
In addition, IWD will lead a support team to conduct workforce needs assessments for interested local employers onsite. Participating employers will then be provided a tailored set of information about relevant state programs along with dedicated points of contact. Employers interested in hosting a workforce assessment can send an email to iwdassessments@iwd.iowa.gov.
The roundtables, beginning later this month and running through November, will take place at IowaWORKS field offices and local community colleges throughout the state. Attendees will be provided information regarding existing workforce strategies they can adopt to help meet their needs. Specifically, each roundtable will provide information about available resources that help with hiring and retraining, collaborating with community and education partners, upskilling employees, and removing barriers such as childcare concerns that sometimes can block Iowans from entering the workforce.
Local roundtables will be held at these locations:
Sept. 27 – 7:30-9:30 a.m., IowaWORKS Cedar Rapids, 4444 First Ave. NE, Suite 436
Sept. 29 – 7-9 a.m., Hawkeye Community College, 120 Jefferson St., Waterloo
Nov. 15 – 7-9 a.m., Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids
The full schedule of events and registration can be found here.
“One of my chief priorities as governor has been working to make sure that Iowa has the skilled workforce necessary to compete in a changing economy,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “These workforce roundtables will provide an opportunity for the state to ensure we are supporting Iowa businesses with the right programs as they strive to meet their workforce needs.”
“Several agencies in Iowa have workforce development programs and funding available to help employers create a robust workforce. The support teams will provide information about state opportunities that is tailored to their needs,” said IWD Director Beth Townsend. “Roundtables will be fast paced, brief, and early in the morning to best meet employer schedules and provide key information about how employers can use existing state programs to grow their workforce.”
To register for the free roundtables, visit www.FutureReadyIowa.gov/registration.
