Iowa Workforce Development

The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center is gearing up to get back out on the road. Along with responding to layoffs, the vehicle is also stopping in northwest Iowa communities to help promote services and support those impacted by extreme weather and natural disasters. Find out more about the on wheels and what kind of services you can learn about when it visits near you: https://workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center

Iowa’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.8 percent in June, as private industries added 1,500 jobs.

The largest gains were in health care and social assistance (+1,800), which has grown by 3,900 jobs over the past three months. Catch up on the latest with Iowa’s labor market: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-07-18/iowas-unemployment-rate-remains-28-percent-third-straight-month

The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center is on the move to assist Iowans! The mobile workforce center is visiting several northwest Iowa communities and also supporting those impacted by recent storms and flooding through Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

For a complete list of locations and times, please visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center-july. This page will update when additional stops are added.

alert! The Central Iowa Jobs Training Grant is open and accepting applications through August 1, 2024. This funding opportunity helps unemployed and underemployed individuals in Central Iowa develop the essential skills to attain good-paying .

For more information and eligibility, please visit

Central Iowa Job Training Program Grant The Central Iowa Job Training Program Grant helps unemployed & underemployed individuals develop essential skills to help attain higher-paying jobs.

The new State of Iowa Workforce Development Board website is now live! It follows several other State of Iowa websites that have been streamlined and updated for improved ease of use. The Workforce Development Board supports the development of programs across the state and provides key resources to the local areas that serve Iowans.

Visit the new website here:

Iowa State Workforce Development Board The Iowa State Workforce Development Board oversees the development and implementation of the state workforce development plan.

A new amendment to the previously issued Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) adds Woodbury County to the list of eligible counties in northwest Iowa. This includes Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux as counties impacted by extreme flooding.

Impacted Iowans can get more information about DUA, including eligibility, by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-07-10/woodbury-county-now-eligible-disaster-unemployment-assistance

While school may be out, the learning doesn't stop for enrolled in the Summer Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program. Hundreds of students with disabilities throughout are introduced to different careers to get hands-on experience. Mary Jackson, Bureau Chief for Transition Services at Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, joins the to tell us about the growing program and how can get involved.

🎬: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCJ96eENCqk
🎧: https://workforce.iowa.gov/news/podcast

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) was recently issued for five counties in . Today, three additional counties were added, making those residents eligible for relief. Those newly added are , , and O'Brien counties. The deadline to file is 60 days from the declaration announcement on June 25, 2024. For more information about DUA in northwest Iowa, please visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-07-05/more-northwest-iowa-counties-added-disaster-unemployment-assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible Iowans as a result of a Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on June 24, 2024, for those impacted by the recent flooding in . Included in the relief efforts are , , , , and counties.

📌 Get more info, including how to apply, by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/news/2024-06-25/disaster-unemployment-assistance-now-available-five-northwest-iowa-counties

Please follow here for future announcements on impacted counties.

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced today that the maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployed Iowans will increase for claims filed on or after July 7, 2024. This does not impact benefit amounts on existing claims.

Each year, IWD calculates the maximum and minimum benefit amounts based on a formula in Iowa law. Details on the maximum amount and number of dependents can be found at: workforce.iowa.gov/benefits-changes-2024

Wishing you a happy July 4th. As a note, our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Friday, July 5, 2024.

A grant opportunity is now open for organizations in central Iowa! The Central Iowa Job Training Program supports efforts that help unemployed and underemployed Iowans develop essential skills to attain higher-paying jobs.

The grant begins accepting applications today through August 1, 2024. Organizations must be located and operate in one of 19 central Iowa counties to be eligible. To learn more and find out how to apply, visit https://workforce.iowa.gov/central-iowa-job-training

Iowa has now been officially recognized as a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). Moving forward, the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) will oversee the development of all in-state programs and help build the next generation of Iowa’s .

Learn more about the new office, including how to get started in an apprenticeship program, by visiting https://workforce.iowa.gov/saa-announcement

Earlier this year, ID.me was introduced to Iowans to provide an improved platform for verifying their identity when applying for unemployment benefits. Starting July 1, 2024, participating United Parcel Service (UPS) locations in Iowa will allow in-person identification verification for those without access to a computer, or mobile device, or who need help navigating the ID.me system. This expansion of options for in-person verification builds on the already 18 participating IowaWORKS American Job Centers throughout the state.

Read more about the update here:

ID.me Verification To Become Available at Participating UPS Stores on July 1 Iowans filing for unemployment with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will soon have expanded options for verifying their identities through ID.me.

The plant in Perry, IA, will soon fully close. Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and other central partners will be available to support displaced workers. Starting Monday, July 1, 2024, impacted workers can meet with career planners and support staff from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) at DMACC Perry Center, 1011 2nd St., Perry, IA. The staff will focus its support on immediate unemployment assistance and career/job services.

The initial dates and times are as follows:
- Monday, July 1, 2024: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Wednesday, July 3, 2024: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - July 11, 2024: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Get more information here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/next-steps-tyson

UPDATE: The IowaWORKS Spencer, IA, office has reopened. Please use caution if traveling in person. As a note, customers can reach the office by phone or book virtual appointments online at https://www.iowaworks.gov/vosnet/default.aspx

The IowaWORKS office in , IA, has been closed due to the widespread flooding across northwest . Local staff will provide an update when the office reopens. Due to the closure, Iowans in the area needing assistance are encouraged to contact the IowaWORKS , IowaWORKS , and IowaWORKS offices. Please contact Iowa Workforce Development Customer Service at 1-866-239-0843 for unemployment benefits support. Customer Service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Please follow here for future updates. For more information please visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/announcement/2024-06-24/iowaworks-spencer-office-closed-due-widespread-flooding-area

UPDATE: In May 2024, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) was made available to Iowans in Adair, Montgomery, Polk, and Story counties for those impacted by extreme weather. Several new supported counties have been announced, including Adams, Cedar, and Jasper counties. Apply or learn more by visiting:
https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-06-25/more-counties-added-disaster-unemployment-assistance-announcement-may

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible Iowans as a result of a Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on May 24, 2024. Additional counties included are Adair, Polk, Story, and Montgomery. These four counties join Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union, as areas eligible for DUA due to impacts from recent adverse weather.

Apply today or get more information by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-05-24/additional-disaster-unemployment-assistance-now-available-four-iowa-counties

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible Iowans as a result of a Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on June 24, 2024, for those impacted by the recent flooding in . Included in the relief efforts are , , , , and counties.

📌 Get more info, including how to apply, by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/news/2024-06-25/disaster-unemployment-assistance-now-available-five-northwest-iowa-counties

Please follow here for future announcements on impacted counties.

The IowaWORKS office in , IA, has been closed due to the widespread flooding across northwest . Local staff will provide an update when the office reopens. Due to the closure, Iowans in the area needing assistance are encouraged to contact the IowaWORKS , IowaWORKS , and IowaWORKS offices. Please contact Iowa Workforce Development Customer Service at 1-866-239-0843 for unemployment benefits support. Customer Service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Please follow here for future updates. For more information please visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/announcement/2024-06-24/iowaworks-spencer-office-closed-due-widespread-flooding-area

New numbers on Iowa’s labor force are out today. The state’s unemployment rate remained at 2.8% during May 2024 with the education and health services leading new growth with 1,400 jobs added.

Read the press release on the latest workforce numbers here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/May-2024-Unemployment-Rate

For more information about Iowa’s labor force, visit: https://workforce.iowa.gov/labor-market-information

If you’re an Iowan looking for help navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form—you can get help here! Today, is hosting a virtual workshop at 3:00 PM with ICAN - Iowa College Access Network to provide guidance which is often required for higher education, post-secondary training, and other career opportunities. Register now by selecting the June 19, 2024, date by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/ICANFAFSA

Starting today, the Future Ready Iowa website 💻 and its resources move to a new home on the Iowa Workforce Development website. This change puts information on planning, , and all in one place! Start exploring your options no matter where you're at in your job journey.

🔎 Career Exploration: https://workforce.iowa.gov/labor-market-information/career-exploration
🎓 Grants & Scholarships: https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants

🏗️ Earlier this year, K-12 students were invited to participate in the Build Iowa's Future Design Challenge. The participants were tasked with designing and creating a model house 🏡 with the potential to earn their up to $1,000 in prizes. The 2024 winners have been announced, those being:

- DeSoto Intermediate in the elementary school division. (Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District) 🏆
- ADM Middle School (Adel) in the middle school division. 🏆
- Van Buren County High School (Keosauqua) in the high school division. (Van Buren County Community School District) 🏆

Other winners chosen can be found by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-06-14/winners-statewide-design-challenge-announced

Thanks to everyone for their dedicated hard work and our partners!

Winners of the Statewide “Design Challenge” Announced Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge brought together K-12 students from across the state to create innovative projects and connect them to rewarding careers.

📣 Calling all Iowa employers! Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking your input in a new survey about the use of Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs across the state. Employer feedback will assist staff in identifying needs and elevate Work-Based Learning opportunities for .

WBL programs include , Quality Pre-Apprenticeships, internships, and other similar programs. Responses will be accepted until 🗓️ July 12, 2024. We invite you to take the survey now here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/wbl-survey

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Director Beth Towsend represented Iowa at the nation’s capitol! During the testimony, she shared IWD's success in implementing the successful Reemployment Case Management (RCM) system. The program has helped Iowans reenter the workforce more quickly with career and job opportunities.

Read more about her remarks from the Work & Welfare Subcommittee Hearing on "Reforming Unemployment Insurance to Support American Workers and Businesses. Read more here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/3a086d6

LIVE: Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Executive Director Beth Townsend testifies in front of Congress about Iowa’s successful Reemployment Case Management (RCM) program. Townsend also shares how IWD's approach to reemployment has become a nationwide model for helping individuals return to the . Watch the testimony here:

Work & Welfare Subcommittee Hearing on Reforming Unemployment Insurance

IowaWORKS recently hosted a job fair for hundreds of impacted Tyson Foods employees in , IA. Iowa Workforce Development and the IowaWORKS office helped recruit Iowa employers with immediate job opportunities and could offer at least similar pay and benefits. The new IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center was also on-site for additional services.

🎬: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOn2Ryru1iw

The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will be at the Nodaway Valley Elementary School in Greenfield, IA, on Monday, June 3, 2024, to support Iowans during the disaster recovery efforts due to extreme weather. Staff will be on hand to provide assistance, including computer workstations, printer, and Wi-Fi internet.

Learn more by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center-greenfield

Iowa Workforce Development recently shared information regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those affected by extreme weather. The official deadline to file for DUA applications in these counties is now July 23, 2024. Iowans who are eligible may receive up to 26 weeks of assistance. To file or get the latest information, see the info posted below:

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible Iowans as a result of a Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on May 24, 2024. Additional counties included are Adair, Polk, Story, and Montgomery. These four counties join Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union, as areas eligible for DUA due to impacts from recent adverse weather.

Apply today or get more information by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-05-24/additional-disaster-unemployment-assistance-now-available-four-iowa-counties

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible Iowans as a result of a Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on May 24, 2024. Additional counties included are Adair, Polk, Story, and Montgomery. These four counties join Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union, as areas eligible for DUA due to impacts from recent adverse weather.

Apply today or get more information by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-05-24/additional-disaster-unemployment-assistance-now-available-four-iowa-counties

We want to hear from you! Residents in Northwest are invited to join members of the Minority Unemployment & Outreach Committee on November 1, 2023, to share their perspectives to help identify and address barriers to for diverse populations. Information about employment resources in Buena Vista County will also be discussed. The event will be held at Our Place, located at 114 E. 3rd Street, Storm Lake, IA, from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.

For more info about the Minority Unemployment & Outreach Committee, please visit: IowaWDB.gov