Knowledge Energy Vision Action
Better information leads Workforce Programming The Iowa City Area Development Group develops workforce initiatives based on the immediate and future needs of our area. We assess worker readiness, skills development, employer challenges, and workforce productivity through a series of surveys and a network of partners. It is through these programs and studies that we are able to help our clients and investors with strategies for recruiting and retaining productive employees in our area and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor. Updated resources are always available for our clients and investors, including local reports on labor force, wages and benefits. Companies utilize these tools to identify worker availability by region or occupational cluster and gain insight on compensation trends. ICAD Group partners with Priority One in Cedar Rapids and Iowa Workforce Development to update these studies every twelve to eighteen months. To identify career-ready skills in candidates and employees, more than one hundred and thirty businesses in our area are recognizing or recommending the Iowa National Career Readiness Certificate. Formerly known as Skills Advantage, the work-ready certificate is based on a series of three assessments developed by ACT. ICAD Group continues to partner with Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Workforce Development and ACT to educate area businesses and grow the number of local employers who support this initiative. Job seekers are motivated to prove their skills and in some cases improve their skills as more employers recognize the Iowa National Career Readiness Certificate.
6 Th e 2 0 0 9 Annual Report of the I owa City A rea Develop men t Grou p