Iowa Workforce Development Announces Next Steps of Support Following Tyson Closure

Iowa Workforce Development Communications
For Immediate Release
Date: June 27, 2024
Contact: Jesse Dougherty
Telephone: 515-725-5487
Email: communications@iwd.iowa.gov

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Iowa Workforce Development Announces Next Steps of Support Following Tyson Closure
Impacted Workers Are Finding Employment Following Plant Closure, But Support Will Continue. 

DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and other central Iowa partners are announcing the next steps of support following the upcoming closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Perry.

While some workers have already found new employment, IWD will continue to provide one-on-one support in the Perry area throughout the summer. Starting Monday, July 1, impacted workers will be able to receive support from IowaWORKS career planners and agency support staff who will be located at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) VanKirk Center in Perry. Services from staff will include immediate unemployment assistance, resume and career support, and other job-related services that will support any worker impacted who has yet to find a new career path. 

Today’s announcement follows weeks of rapid response efforts, including visits from the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center, an IowaWORKS transition center at the plant, and job fairs with dozens of employers.

Agency staff also will work closely with DMACC staff to help provide language programs and other resources offered by the college resource center that support a successful transition in the workforce. 

β€œIowa Workforce Development remains committed to helping every impacted Tyson worker find a new path forward,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. β€œWhile this is a challenging time, it is also an opportunity to explore new careers. Maintaining our efforts and presence in the Perry area will help make connections between a skilled workforce and Iowa employers with workforce needs.”

Information on career planners and workforce assistance can be found below. Impacted workers can also contact the IowaWORKS Des Moines office for similar career services. Video instructions on filing for unemployment in both English and Spanish can be found at this link (additional language services are available by contacting IowaWORKS).

WHAT

  • Career Planning and Workforce Services for Impacted Tyson Workers

WHO

  • IowaWORKS Career Planners
  • IWD Unemployment Staff
  • DMACC Staff

WHEN

  • Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 9 through Thursday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
    • Following the first two weeks, IWD will evaluate worker needs and provide an updated schedule for when IowaWORKS staff will be in Perry. 

WHERE

  • DMACC Perry VanKirk Center
  • 1011 2nd Street, Perry, IA 50220

QUESTIONS

  • Impacted workers can contact staff with questions. 
  • Email: DesMoinesIowaWORKS@iwd.iowa.gov 
  • Phone: 515-281-9619
  • Virtual appointment: Workers can also schedule a virtual appointment with a career planner by visiting IowaWorks.gov.