Iowa Workforce Development officials have announced the deployment of the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center, a new vehicle that will expand the ability to deliver workforce services to Iowans.
The new vehicle is a 32-foot long American Job Center (AJC) on wheels, providing the same services that were previously only possible in a physical IowaWORKS office.
The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will serve as a key tool for reaching a business closing or layoff event more quickly (rapid response services). It will also serve as a proactive vehicle that will visit targeted communities and appear at job fair events to assist job seekers and showcase opportunities in Iowa’s workforce.
The mobile workforce center was featured during a press conference at the Iowa State Capitol to kick off its deployment, and demonstrations were held to highlight its features that will serve job seekers in unique ways.
“The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center was born out of a response to the pandemic’s impact on our economy,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a release. “Nearly 100,000 Iowans lost or left their jobs between January and June of 2020, and while thousands have since returned to work, Iowa still faces an urgent need for more workers. The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will help ensure Iowa has the workers we need to thrive and grow by bringing career planning assistance to out-of-work Iowans anywhere in the state.”
The vehicle serves as an expansion to Iowa’s network of 18 IowaWORKS offices located across the state, including 15 AJC offices and three satellite locations. Included in the mobile workforce center are 10 computer workstations where staff can assist with job searches and navigating unemployment claims. Staff will be able to use two 40-inch monitors to lead job search workshops or hiring fairs, including one monitor mounted on the outside of the vehicle that can be used for outdoor events during warmer months. The mobile workforce center also includes an ADA accessible entrance in the back of the vehicle to support Iowans with disabilities.
“Adding this mobile workforce center will significantly increase our ability to respond to changing events on the ground anywhere in the state, including mass layoffs, plant closings, or introducing high school students to the services we can provide,” said Iowa Workforce Development executive director Beth Townsend. “It will expand the state’s ability to meet Iowans where they are — especially those who are not close to one of our American Job Centers. We believe the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will become a key resource to assist communities and employers when they face sudden and unexpected changes, in addition to providing services in areas where we have no brick-and-mortar offices. We’re excited to get on the road and meet our customers face-to-face.”
Information about the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center and its capabilities can be found on the IWD website, workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center.
