Central Iowa Workforce Development Board

Registration is now open for the 2025 Build My Future event in Des Moines! Build My Future is a dynamic hands-on career immersion experience aimed at showcasing career opportunities in Iowa to high school students. Last year’s Build My Future event in Des Moines welcomed 7,000 students from over 120+ schools across Iowa and featured more than 20 career pathways, offering interactive activities from 100 different business exhibitors. Check out last year's recap video for more information about this hands-on connection event. If you’re a business that wants to engage with Iowa’s future workforce, join Iowa Skilled Trades at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on April 16th and get involved! Learn more and register as an exhibitor here: https://lnkd.in/gPwY7kei Let’s make the 2025 Build My Future event bigger and better than ever! ?? #BuildMyFuture #IowaCareers #FutureWorkforce #SkilledTrades #IowaJobs #CareerExploration

As we reflect on our work, it’s clear that the Central Iowa Workforce Development Board (CIWDB) is making great strides in building a stronger local workforce system. Our eight-member Chief Elected Officials board, 19 board members, and dedicated staff have all played key roles in transforming our community’s workforce landscape. With ongoing collaboration and partnership, the CIWDB is now truly “on the map” as a leader in facilitating regional workforce solutions. We are excited to continue building on this progress and maintaining our place as a vital part of Central Iowa’s coordinated approach to addressing local workforce needs. To learn more about our achievement and ongoing efforts, we invite you to read our 2024 Annual Report here: https://lnkd.in/dVWqYY2k Let’s keep moving forward- together. #2024AnnualReport #WorkforceSolutions #IowaWorkforce #CIWDB

Reflection on yesterday's House Education and Workforce Subcommittee hearing, Strengthening WIOA: Improving Outcomes for America’s Workforce, underscored the importance of supporting Opportunity Youth through vital programs like the WIOA Youth programming. Throughout the session, lawmakers and witnesses discussed A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) and highlighted several key aspects of the legislation. ? A central point of discussion was the economic impact of not engaging Opportunity Youth. The National Youth Employment Coalition shared that 4.3 million young people are currently classified as Opportunity Youth. Robert Sainz, Board Chair?of the National Youth Employment Coalition, emphasized that the longer it takes to reach 18 to 24–year olds, the more their opportunities shrink. Additionally, he stressed the critical role of supportive services—transportation, food, and housing—needed to help them overcome barriers to success. This hearing was a timely reminder of Opportunity Youth's challenges and the need for continued investment in programs that can provide real solutions. ? Adult education and literacy efforts were also raised, with members and witnesses discussing digital literacy skills' role in today’s fast-changing economy.?Committee members also discussed how to improve training program quality and were eager to learn more about the Eligible Training Provider List. ? #OpportunityYouth #WIOA #YouthEmployment #PublicPolicy #WorkforceDevelopment?

One of our responsibilities is a commitment to leveraging technology to increase accessibility to workforce development support for job seekers and businesses. As technology continues to shape hiring and workplace accessibility, we’re focused on learning, adapting, and maximizing its impact on Central Iowa’s workforce. ?????? ???? ???????? ???????????????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????????? Have you implemented assistive tools or digital hiring solutions? Share your experiences in the comments! ?? #WorkforceInnovation #CIWDB #DigitalHiring #AccessibleWorkplace

CIWDB Team Member Spotlight! ?? Get to know our Executive Director, Eric Kress! This week, he’s sharing what drives his? enthusiasm for his role and dedication to strengthening Iowa’s workforce: ???????? ???????????????? ?????? ???? ???????????? ?? ???????????? ???????? ???? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????? “I’ve committed my professional career to helping improve society. Employment and a decent income is essential in empowering individuals towards self-efficacy of their futures.” ????????’?? ?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ??????’???? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ???????????????????????? ??????????????? “Everyone has their own unique story. However, we also all tend to have biases, whether we know it or not. Awareness of that assists in building trust and relationships, which are essential in working collaboratively with individuals or organizations, to overcome our differences.” ?????? ?????? ?????????? ?? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ??????'???? ???????????????????????? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ???????????? ????? “I recently completed my Masters degree in Human Services in my late 40's. It is important I commit to my personal development if I want to create a culture for others to do the same. Society constantly evolves, and I want to learn and change with it.” ???? ?????? ???????? ?? ?????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ???????? ???????????????? “Relational.” ???? ???????? ??????????????, ???????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?? ???????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????? “We have great training providers, and Central Iowa is a destination where current and future workers can find an affordable cost of living, feel safe, and have access to great recreational opportunities.” ???????? ???????????? ?????????? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????? “Not to discount the potential of any of our available workers.” Eric’s hard work and personal devotion to the people of Iowa continue to inspire us! If you’d like to learn more about what we do at CIWDB, please visit: https://ciwdb.org/. #TeamSpotlight #CIWDB #IowaWorkforce #WorkforceDevelopment

The YSS Rooftop Gardens program produces thousands of heads of lettuce, but its most important export is the employability #skills young adults need to change their lives. Following its debut last year, the garden now employs several groups of at-risk youth, who help grow #hydroponic romaine lettuce. The lettuce then makes its way to local farmers’ markets and select Hy-Vee stores. Founder Samanthya Marlatt joins the #MissionEmployable #podcast to share more about the unique program. #rooftopgarden #garden #Iowa #jobskills ?? https://lnkd.in/gDaB9jCb ?? https://lnkd.in/giuycXEM

Looking at gaining a post secondary credential? Graduating college or thinking about a new degree? These are the most in demand jobs in the state of Iowa that currently require post-secondary education. ?? To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eEUHsHR #TopOccupations #IowaJobMarket #SecondaryEducation #IowaWorks

?? Exciting News! ?? Our next Cultivating Careers cohort kicks off Monday, February 3rd! Are you ready to take the next step toward meaningful, stable employment and career growth? This transformative program is designed to equip you with the tools, resources, and confidence you need to thrive in your professional journey. ? No cost ? Hands-on career coaching ? A supportive community focused on your success ?? Spots are limited, so don’t wait! ?? Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/ggHZKg5z ?? Let’s grow your career together! #CultivatingCareers #ProjectIOWA #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerGrowth

?Time is running out!? Don’t miss your chance to lock in early bird pricing for Iowa’s Annual Work-Based Learning Coordinators Conference!? ?Register by February 14th to save your spot for just $200 before prices go up!Join us on April 14, 2025, for an inspiring day of networking, learning, and innovation in work-based learning.?Register here:?https://lnkd.in/gPHJ5Q6W?? ?Already registered? High five! ?Still need to? Do it today!#IWBLConference2025 #WorkBasedLearning #EarlyBirdEndsSoon

In order to look toward a thriving workforce in the future, we must begin by showing up for Iowa's youth today. This is why CIWDB is proud to partner with YSS as one of our service providers. YSS is one of Iowa's oldest and largest youth-serving nonprofit organizations with a mission to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first. They offer Iowa's youth education to build healthy minds and bodies; counseling to overcome life’s challenges; and stability to focus on the future. Their wide range of support programs includes: ?? Mental Health + Wellness Education ?? Homeless Youth Services ?? Prevention Services and Education ?? After School and Summer Programs ?? ... and more! It brings us joy to help continue connecting Iowa’s youth and young adults with the resources and opportunities they need to grow into the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Central Iowa! ?? To learn more about the incredible work of YSS, visit: https://www.yss.org/ #IowaWorkforce #YSS #YouthCounseling #CrisisPrevention?