Blog: How Iowa Lakes Partners with Local Employers to Build Iowa’s Workforce
Strong communities are built on strong partnerships.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, employer partnerships aren’t an added benefit—they’re central to our mission. Every day, we work alongside businesses, healthcare systems, manufacturers, agricultural leaders, school districts, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to ensure students graduate with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional experience employers need.
The result is a stronger workforce, stronger businesses, and stronger communities across northwest Iowa.
As Iowa continues to face workforce shortages in many industries, collaboration between education and employers has never been more important.
Iowa’s Workforce Needs Are Changing
Across the state, employers are looking for skilled workers in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, information technology, education, public safety, and business.
Recognizing this need, Iowa has made career-connected learning and work-based learning a statewide priority, encouraging schools, community colleges, and employers to work together to prepare students for high-demand careers.
Community colleges play a unique role because they are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Rather than offering the same programs everywhere, they have the flexibility to respond to regional workforce needs and develop programs that align with local industries.
Partnerships Begin Before Students Graduate
At Iowa Lakes, employer partnerships don’t begin after students earn a degree.
They begin while students are still exploring career options.
Through concurrent enrollment, Career Academy opportunities, campus visits, guest speakers, employer panels, job shadows, internships, clinical experiences, apprenticeships, and work-based learning, students begin connecting classroom learning with real careers long before graduation.
These experiences help students answer important questions:
- What type of work do I enjoy?
- Which skills are employers looking for?
- What education will help me reach my goals?
- What opportunities exist right here in northwest Iowa?
Career exploration becomes more meaningful when students can see themselves in the workplace.
Education Designed with Industry in Mind
The best workforce programs are built with employers—not just for them.
Iowa Lakes works closely with industry partners to ensure programs remain relevant as technology, equipment, regulations, and workforce needs evolve.
Employer input helps shape:
- Curriculum updates.
- Equipment and technology investments.
- Internship and clinical opportunities.
- Workplace competencies.
- Industry-recognized credentials.
- Emerging workforce needs.
This collaboration helps ensure students graduate with skills that align with today’s workplace—not yesterday’s.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the greatest strengths of employer partnerships is the opportunity for students to apply what they’re learning in real-world settings.
Across Iowa Lakes programs, students gain valuable experience through:
- Clinical placements in healthcare.
- Agricultural learning experiences.
- Manufacturing and skilled trades internships.
- Business and accounting internships.
- Early childhood and education field experiences.
- Transportation and technical training.
- Apprenticeships and work-based learning.
By graduation, many students have already worked alongside professionals in their chosen field, giving them valuable experience and confidence as they begin their careers.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The impact of employer partnerships extends far beyond the classroom.
According to the Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 Annual Condition of Iowa’s Community Colleges:
- 91% of Iowa community college graduates were employed within one year of completing their program.
- 83% remained in Iowa after graduation, helping strengthen local communities and regional economies.
- More than 76% of all certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees awarded were in career and technical education programs aligned with workforce needs.
- Industry-recognized credential completions increased by more than 26%, reflecting growing demand for career-focused education.
These outcomes don’t happen by accident.
They’re the result of colleges and employers working together to prepare students for careers that matter.
Workforce by the Numbers
- 91% employed within one year of graduation.
- 83% of graduates remain in Iowa.
- More than 57,000 Iowa high school students participate in concurrent enrollment.
- Nearly 22,000 certificates, diplomas, and degrees awarded statewide in 2025.
- More than three-quarters of those awards supported career and technical education.
The Iowa Lakes Difference
Employer partnerships at Iowa Lakes go far beyond internships.
Our faculty regularly engage with industry leaders to understand changing workforce needs and ensure students are learning the knowledge and skills employers value most.
Students benefit from:
- More than 60 career and transfer programs and options.
- Faculty with industry experience.
- Modern labs and technical learning environments.
- Clinicals, internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning.
- Career fairs and networking opportunities with regional employers.
- Strong relationships with businesses throughout northwest Iowa and beyond.
Each year, Iowa Lakes also hosts career fairs that connect students and community members with dozens of employers seeking talented professionals, creating valuable networking and employment opportunities before graduation.
Strong Partnerships Build Strong Communities
When colleges and employers work together, everyone benefits.
Students graduate with relevant skills and valuable experience.
Employers gain access to a pipeline of talented, career-ready professionals.
Communities retain skilled workers who contribute to local businesses, healthcare systems, schools, and industries.
That’s why employer partnerships aren’t simply part of what Iowa Lakes does—they’re part of who we are.
Looking Ahead
The future of workforce development depends on collaboration.
As industries continue to evolve, Iowa Lakes remains committed to listening to employers, adapting programs, and preparing students for careers that strengthen northwest Iowa and beyond.
Education should never happen in isolation.
It should happen in partnership with the communities and employers it serves.
That’s exactly what Iowa Lakes has been doing for generations—and it’s how we’ll continue preparing students for success in the years ahead.
Interested in partnering with Iowa Lakes? Whether you’re an employer looking to build your workforce, offer internships, serve on an advisory committee, or recruit talented graduates, we’d love to start the conversation. Together, we can build the workforce of tomorrow.