Programs and Opportunities in Iowa's Workforce
IWD has a number of programs, initiatives, and grants designed to remove barriers and provide Iowans with the right path for their employment destination.
Opportunities in the Workforce
-
Iowa Office of Apprenticeship
Statewide office that connects employers with students and adults in successful Registered Apprenticeship programs.
-
Veterans Employment Services
Iowa provides quality employment and training services to Veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses.
-
Grants and Scholarships
IWD's workforce grants and the Last-Dollar Scholarship program, all of which are creating new opportunities and careers.
-
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps Iowans with disabilities prepare for and advance in their employment.
-
Adult Education and Literacy Programs
Iowa’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) programs help adults acquire and improve skills to support their careers.
-
State and Local Workforce Boards
Iowa's state and& local workforce boards oversee the implementation of workforce programs and funding across the state.
-
SNAP Employment and Training
The SNAP Employment and Training program helps SNAP recipients find job seeking skills, classroom training, and more.
-
SkillBridge Program
Iowa supports the Defense Department's SkillBridge Program, which helps transitioning military members find new careers.
State of Iowa's Labor Market
3.3%
Unemployment Rate (February 2025)
-7,400
Job Growth Over the Past Year
50,843
Current Job Openings in Iowa
Top Job Postings on IowaWORKS.gov
Top 25 Job Postings on Iowa's Largest Jobs Bank
View the top job postings on IowaWORKS.gov:
1. Registered Nurses
2. Retail Salespersons
3. Nursing Assistants
Vocational Rehabilitation
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services is now part of IWD. Learn how to receive vocational training and support today.
-
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Main webpage for VR Services.
-
Self-Employment Program
Program designed for job candidates whose vocational goal is self-employment.
-
Disability Determination Services (DDS)
Bureau that makes disability determinations for Iowans, and works with those who receive Social Security benefits.
-
Permanent Partial Shoulder Injury Training
A form for individuals to request an evaluation for participation in vocational training and education.
-
Ticket to Work Program
A program that program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries.
Closing Gaps to Create Opportunity
Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship Program
Last-Dollar Scholarship helps Iowans land skilled, high-demand jobs by covering gaps in tuition not filled by other aid.
Resources: Last Dollar Scholarship
Learn more about the Last Dollar Scholarship program and how to find scholarship eligible programs at community colleges across the state.
-
About Last-Dollar Scholarship
Learn how the program works to fill the gaps in tuition not already covered by other federal and/or state grants.
-
Eligible Programs for Last-Dollar Scholarship
View the list of current scholarship-eligible programs at Iowa's community colleges that offer education or training.
-
High-Demand Occupations in Iowa
View a list of the Last-Dollar Scholarship eligible high-demand occupations for academic year 2024-2025.