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Workforce Readiness

    Through active engagement in workforce development programs and initiatives, we can address the skills gaps to help ensure that the workforce of the future has the range of skills needed to be successful as they enter the workplace. The Corridor has several partnerships in place to ensure continued workforce development and attraction programs. Important efforts are included below.


    The Workforce Readiness Chair monitors and evaluates local activities concerning workforce readiness issues and plans and encourages chapter involvement and activities impacting the workforce readiness arena.

    Responsibilities:

    • Develop and support workshops and seminars that address workforce readiness issues.
    • Partner with local schools, community organizations and government agencies to share information.
    • Identify and evaluate issues that impact workforce readiness and develop goals for Chapter workforce readiness strategy.
    • Serve as a resource for Chapter members on workforce readiness issues and provide leadership to the Chapter on education /training issues.
    • Provide special recognition for Chapter members and for local programs that promote betterment of the local workforce through educational /training process.

    Iowa Workforce Development

    Partners with many community organizations and businesses.  The local offices host seminars and mini-job fairs to assist employers in their immediate needs. IWD also provides a wide range of programs to assist those new to Iowa, individuals with disabilities, those looking for help in resume writing, and many more.

    Contact: Carlos Vega, Workforce Manager, carlos.vega@iwd.iowa.gov, 319-365-9474 ext. 1202

    Skills Advantage Initiative

    An employer-led strategy designed to develop and communicate the skills needed for employment with in the Corridor.  Utilizing ACT’s WorkKeys skills assessment system, employers can recommend or require the Work Ready Certificate as part of their hiring processes or use it to help current employees upgrade their foundational skills.

    Contact: Amy Lasack, Skills Advantage Program Director, amy.lasack@kirkwood.edu, 319-398-7194 ext. 7194

    Technology Corridor Partners, Iowa City Area Development Group and Priority One

    Utilize short and long term strategies to address the issues facing Corridor employers.  Strategies include: providing data regarding availability, affordability, and capability of the Corridor’s workforce; recruiting for industry specific needs; and partnering with the Gazette to promote and market corridorcareers.com to students and professionals nationwide.

    The latest report issued by the Technology Corridor Committee is the Skills 2010 Study.  This report provides insight to the future workforce needs and skill levels for the Corridor.  For a copy of the report, please see the Skills 2010 file below.

    Contacts: DaLayne Williamson, Workforce Business Services Director, dwilliamson@iowacityarea.com, 319-354-3939

    The Workplace Learning Connection

    Functions as an intermediary between educators and employers, providing services such as career events, worksite tours, job shadows, internships, and Teacher @Work professional development programs to K-12 school districts and employers in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties.  The concept behind The Workplace Learning Connection is to build a system, which concurrently supports career, future workforce, and economic development.  For more information, please visit: www.workplace-learning.org.

    Contact: Laurie Warden, Director, lwarden@kirkwood.edu, 319-398-1040

    You make a difference.  Be proactive in Workforce Readiness initiatives.

    PHR/SPHR credit is available.

    Your participation and involvement is needed to bring a better prepared employee to employers’ doors, now and in the future.