More than 62% of employers in Kirkwood Community College’s seven-county service area reported difficulty filling positions over the past year, according to a new workforce report released by the college this week.
Kirkwood’s Skills 2027 Report, based on input from 156 organizations, identifies a lack of qualified candidates, a limited labor pool, and wage and benefit competition as the leading hiring barriers in the region. The report is available at www.kirkwood.edu/skills2027.
Employers surveyed identified foundational work habits — including reliability, accountability and attendance — along with job-specific technical skills as the most common workforce gaps today and the deficiencies they expect to persist through 2027.
The report also found that most employers are engaging with artificial intelligence in some capacity, with only 9% reporting they are not considering AI implementation. As adoption grows, employers cited an increased need for training in AI software and technology, industry-specific tools, and AI safety and security protocols.
Kirkwood said it is prepared to partner with businesses on workforce solutions including foundational workplace skills training, customized technical training, onboarding support, work-based learning and apprenticeship programs, and AI-focused training.
“Kirkwood Corporate Training works directly with employer partners to create solutions that support real business goals,” said Quinn Pettifer, Kirkwood’s director of corporate training. “The Skills 2027 Report shows employers need strong work habits, the right technical skills, and the ability to adapt — and we’re ready to help businesses build the workforce they need to succeed.”
Kirkwood Continuing Education reports nearly 30,000 annual enrollments in courses ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment. Over the past 20 years, the college said new jobs created through its Continuing Education & Training Services have exceeded 14,000.
More information on Kirkwood Corporate Training is available at www.kirkwood.edu/corporatetraining or by calling 319-398-5623.
