Building a Stronger Economy Through Workforce Development in Rural Iowa

In rural Iowa, the path to economic growth begins with investing in people. Workforce development is about filling jobs, but more significantly, creating sustainable futures for individuals, supporting local businesses, and strengthening entire communities.

Why is Building a Stronger Economy through Workforce Development Vital for Rural Iowa?

Adam Blanchard, Veteran Career Planner with IowaWORKS, explains it this way:

“It goes beyond simply connecting people to jobs. It's about preparing a pipeline of talent that is responsive to the needs of local employers. Strong workforce development creates a bridge between job seekers and employers, aligning education, training, and support services with the needs of local industries. When workers succeed, businesses succeed, and when businesses succeed, rural communities can not only survive but thrive.”

This vision of alignment between workforce and economic development is central to Winn-Worth Betco's mission. Local workforce investments strengthen the foundation for long-term economic prosperity in Winnebago and Worth Counties.

What is Workforce Development?

A general definition of workforce development encompasses a range of strategies and programs designed to help individuals acquire the skills and connections necessary to enter and succeed in the labor market. The concept includes training, education, job matching, and supportive services that help people achieve meaningful employment.

For rural communities, workforce development is especially critical. Smaller populations, limited resources, and fewer opportunities often mean residents must leave to find work. Workforce development works to reverse this trend by connecting local talent with local opportunity, helping both individuals and employers succeed.

The significance of workforce development to a community is evident in a 2025 Forest City Laborshed Study, which identified 15,363 individuals likely to accept employment in Forest City out of an estimated working-age population of 65,365. Notably, 28.9% of the currently employed (approximately 13,200 individuals) expressed interest in changing jobs, while over 56% of unemployed individuals would accept local employment and 42.9% of homemakers and 23.1% of retirees showed potential interest in rejoining the workforce. Additionally, 28% of Forest City residents commuting out of the city for work are open to switching to local jobs. These findings present clear opportunities for employers, and workforce development is critical in connecting this talent to local jobs.

What Challenges Face Rural Communities in Workforce Development?

Rural towns face unique challenges in developing and maintaining a strong workforce. Among the most pressing issues:

• Smaller labor pools and fewer specialized training options
• Young people leaving the area for education or jobs elsewhere
• Limited access to high-speed internet, childcare, housing, and transportation
• Difficulty for employers in finding workers with the right skills
• Veterans struggling to translate military experience into civilian job qualifications

“Workforce development helps address these challenges by connecting residents, including veterans and their families, to meaningful employment opportunities close to home,” said Blanchard. “At the same time, it provides businesses with the skilled workers they need to grow and stay competitive in the region.” 

What Local Training and Education Programs Are Available in Rural Iowa?

Northern Iowa benefits from a wide range of workforce development programs designed to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers.

Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs
These programs offer funding for job training, career planning, and support services. They are especially valuable for veterans, individuals returning to the workforce, and young adults entering high-demand industries.

Adult Education and Literacy
Programs like GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and basic skills instruction help residents build a strong foundation before entering technical training or the workforce.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services
These services support individuals with disabilities, including veterans, by offering customized training, accommodations, and assistance to help them prepare for and maintain employment.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

At the federal level, WIOA is the foundation of the workforce system. It is organized into four key titles:

• Title I: Provides funding for job training and career services
• Title II: Supports adult education and literacy
• Title III: Focuses on Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, connecting job seekers with employers and providing valuable labor market information, job referrals, and resume support.
• Title IV: Delivers vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities

The State of Iowa has developed initiatives to complement WIOA, such as Home Base Iowa, Future Ready Iowa, and PROMISE JOBS, to help address rural workforce needs. 

Are there Workforce Development Partnerships Between Education and Industry?

One of the most effective ways to strengthen workforce development is through partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses. These collaborations allow training programs to be tailored to meet the specific needs of regional employers.

“Our partnership with North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) helps deliver specialized training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, welding, information technology, and commercial driving (CDL),” said Blanchard. “As a result, students have found jobs because they are equipped with the skills local employers are actively seeking, while also creating a reliable talent pipeline for those businesses.”

Planning for the Future

Rural communities must stay proactive in anticipating and responding to workforce trends. Advancements in technology, automation, and remote work are transforming the skills workers will need in the future. In smaller towns, where population decline can be a concern, offering meaningful career opportunities is essential to keeping communities vibrant and economically strong.

“Our focus is on upskilling, reskilling and providing supportive services to help strengthen economies and assist businesses with the talent they need and provide residents with meaningful and sustainable careers,” said Blanchard. “Creating career pathways encouraging people to live and work locally is essential.”

Success through Workforce Investment

At Winn-Worth Betco, we are committed to building a resilient, competitive economy by investing in our people. Workforce development helps ensure local businesses have the skilled workers they need and that residents can create stable, rewarding careers without leaving the area. Contact us today to learn more about how we build opportunity, support business, and strengthen the economy right here at home.