Governor Reynolds, IWD Announce Delivery of New Mobile Workforce Center to Expand Workforce Services Across Iowa IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center Will Expand Service Delivery, Particularly in Areas Without Physical Offices DES MOINES, IOWA – Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development today announced deployment of the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center, a new state-of-the-art vehicle that will expand the ability to deliver workforce services to the Iowans who need them most. The new vehicle is a 32-foot long American Job Center (AJC) on wheels, providing the same high-quality services that were previously only possible in a physical IowaWORKS office.
Not only will the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center serve as a key tool for reaching a business closing or layoff event more quickly (rapid response services), but it will also serve as a pro-active vehicle that will visit targeted communities and appear at job fair events to assist job seekers and showcase the opportunities that exist in Iowa’s workforce.
The mobile workforce center was featured during a press conference outside of the Iowa State Capitol to kick off its deployment, and demonstrations were held to highlight its features that will serve job seekers in unique ways for years to come.
“The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center was born out of a response to the pandemic’s impact on our economy. Nearly 100,000 Iowans lost or left their jobs between January and June of 2020, and while thousands have since returned to work, Iowa still faces an urgent need for more workers,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will help ensure Iowa has the workers we need to thrive and grow by bringing career planning assistance to out-of-work Iowans anywhere in the state.”
Information about the mobile workforce center and its capabilities can be found on the IWD website: workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center.
The vehicle serves as an expansion to Iowa’s network of 18 IowaWORKS offices located across the state (15 AJC offices and three satellite locations). Included in the mobile workforce center are 10 computer workstations where staff can assist with job searches and navigating unemployment claims. Staff will be able to use two 40-inch monitors to lead job search workshops or hiring fairs, including one monitor mounted on the outside of the vehicle that can be used for outdoor events during warmer months. The mobile workforce center also includes an ADA accessible entrance in the back of the vehicle to support Iowans with disabilities.
“Adding this mobile workforce center will significantly increase our ability to respond to changing events on the ground anywhere in the state, including mass layoffs, plant closings, or introducing high school students to the services we can provide. It will expand the state’s ability to meet Iowans where they are — especially those who are not close to one of our American Job Centers,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We believe the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will become a key resource to assist communities and employers when they face sudden and unexpected changes, in addition to providing services in areas where we have no brick-and-mortar offices. We’re excited to get on the road and meet our customers face-to-face.”
Event Schedule: The mobile workforce center will begin deploying across the state next week, starting in several communities in central, eastern, and southeast Iowa. The initial visits are part of Governor Reynolds’ commitment to support areas that experienced higher unemployment rates or labor force challenges in recent years, as well as other areas that currently do not have a local IowaWORKS office.
Visit Requests: IWD is now beginning to field online requests from communities and employers for a mobile workforce center visit. Visit this link to request a visit.
Questions About Services: For any questions about the services provided by the vehicle, please contact staff at iowaworksmobileunit@iwd.iowa.gov.
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An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. www.workforce.iowa.gov
