Poweshiek County Employers Share Workforce Priorities
Local employers and workforce and economic development partners met October 13 at Grinnell College's Weingart Pavilion for a Poweshiek County Employer Listening Session. The conversation brought employers together with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) leaders to discuss workforce challenges and identify ways to support local businesses.
IWD Deputy Director Georgia Van Gundy attended, along with Bureau Chief Maria Morales, Operations Manager Frank Sposeto and Business Engagement Consultant Michelle Roseburrough.
Participants discussed challenges in recruiting and retaining workers, including difficulty finding skilled tradespeople, truck drivers, welders and dependable entry-level employees. Employers also raised concerns about early turnover, attendance, workplace readiness and barriers people can face when job searches and applications happen entirely online.
The discussion also covered youth employment, high school outreach, job shadowing, apprenticeships and the skills young people need as they enter the workforce. Participants noted the value of helping students and recent graduates build communication and networking skills and see career opportunities in the region.
Employers identified areas where additional support could help, including professional development and training opportunities, guidance on emerging technologies, and resources to strengthen recruitment. Participants also raised questions about training reimbursement, re-entry employment, veterans’ engagement and local labor market information.
In partnership with Iowa Workforce Development, Poweshiek Development invited employers across the county to attend. This work aligns with Poweshiek Development's strategic planning pillar of Business Expansion, Retention and Outreach: building relationships with employers, understanding their needs and connecting them with resources and partners.
Poweshiek Development and IWD are working together to follow up on the questions and requests raised during the session.
Participating employers and organizations
BASF; Bayer; Bear Creek Kids Campus; Brownell’s; City of Grinnell; Dayton Meat Products; Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce; Grinnell College; Grinnell Mutual; Hutchison Inc. (HW Brand); Latitude Signage + Design; Manatt’s; Mayflower Homes; McCue & Associates American Family Insurance; Roudabush Electronics; United Mutual Insurance; UnityPoint Health–Grinnell Regional Medical Center; Poweshiek County Supervisors; EIWA CLEO; South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency; Region Six Planning Commission; E911 Board; and Poweshiek Development.
Michelle Roseburrough discusses workforce challenges with local employers.
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