Workforce Connections

Here you'll find a compilation of resources supporting talent attraction and retention, workforce committees and coalitions, and workforce pipeline strategies for you and your company.  Check out these program summaries, links to learn more, and who to contact.

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ICR Iowa

This joint venture was developed in 2017 to ensure Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) prospers through community-aligned business attraction and workforce development. Our partners include the seven counties of Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington.

A variety of coalitions exist to serve initiative the ICR region aspires to grow in such as talent recruitment, diversity and inclusion and more. Learn more about each of those areas here:

ICR Talent Hub Ignite ICRICR FutureInclusive ICR 

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Iowa Workforce Development (IWD)

IWD is a state agency that is dedicated to providing employment services for individuals seeking job opportunities. Additionally, employers and businesses can post jobs, hire veterans, create an apprenticeship program and apply for qualifying tax credits. IWD continually offers new and different opportunities for businesses to post and share their employment needs.

Learn more about hiring events.

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Resources for working with college level interns:

Creating internship opportunities for college students is one of the most powerful strategies an employer can implement to develop a workforce pipeline. To recruit an intern or seek assistance in developing a program, utilize these resources:

University of Iowa Pomerantz Career CenterCoe CollegeCornell College

Kirkwood Community CollegeMt. Mercy University

Is your company on this website? 
Handshake - ICR Iowa graduates 13,000 students per year who are hungry for opportunities to jump start their internship or job experience. With Handshake, you can connect with the students at all of our local schools and beyond. Coe College, Cornell College, Kirkwood Community College, Mt. Mercy University and the University of Iowa use Handshake as their primary student recruitment tool. Handshake is an online database system where students can create profiles and learn about employers, while employers can post jobs and internships, and search student profiles.

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Non-Profit Organizations and Resources:

Catherine McAuley Center (CMC)- The CMC offers Refugee and Immigrant Services Programs that provides opportunities such as tutoring and small group learning for adult learners,  provides employment-readiness education and job-seeking support, as well as assistance navigating community resources like transportation, healthcare, and housing. CMC can consult with area employers to understand staffing needs and connect them with qualified refugee applicants. 

FourOaks TotalChild Workforce program helps employers connect with students who have participated in their TotalChild program as they graduate from high school and transition into the workforce. TotalChild Workforce support seniors in high school to young adults into and through post-secondary training or education, and into a stable job and self-sufficiency by age 26.

Jane Boyd PATHS is a 6-week career development and job skills training program that equips young adults ages 18-26 with career knowledge and employment skills to help them acquire and maintain gainful employment. PATHS provides participants with a range of opportunities to develop essential workplace awareness and increase their employability including skills in job interviews, cover letter writing, resume building, financial literacy, and more. During the 6-week program, participants have the opportunity to engage in valuable job shadows, earn a stipend of up to $600 as they learn, network and make valuable connections.

  • Contact: Autumn VenHuizen, PATHS Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 319-784-2103.

Willis Dady Employment Program empowers people to break the cycle of homelessness by connecting them to supported employment opportunities in the greater Cedar Rapids area. Willis Dady works with local businesses, governments, and other organizations to develop creative partnerships that meet the needs of both clients and employers. 

  • Are you looking for a new source of high potential employees? Willis Dady provides a customized partnership to make sure your workforce needs are met.
  • Contact: Kelsey Culver, Employment Services Director, at [email protected] or 319-651-8530.

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Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training programs

260E: The 260E program provides new employee training for businesses that are growing their workforce. Made available through Iowa’s community colleges, the program is administered locally by Kirkwood Community College and is funded through the new employees’ withholding taxes at no cost to the employee or the company.

260F: - The Iowa Jobs Training Program (260F) is a state sponsored program designed to assist Iowa-based businesses with the training and development for existing employees. The program provides forgivable loans to qualifying businesses and will reimburse approximately 50 percent of the training cost.

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Kirkwood Corporate Training

Kirkwood Corporate Training is proud to offer quality instruction and customized training to businesses of every size and service. Through customized consultation and training services, we are committed to partnering with you from start to finish, ensuring that your unique goals are met. Our face-to-face, virtual, or hybrid training provides you with personalized solutions that work.

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