Iowa doesn’t just talk about America’s skills gap its workforce rolls up their sleeves and fills it. How? Iowa has ramped up its STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education in public schools and made it easier for businesses to collaborate with students. The state has also increased its focus on technical trade skills at its network of community colleges—where curriculum aligns with the needs of business.
At Iowa's research-focused universities the next wave of biomedical engineers and data analysts are ready to compete in the global economy, as advanced technologies are commercialized for the private sector. Iowa fills the gap with smart, educated and efficient workers.
Iowa Fills the Skills Gap
Through ramped up STEM and technical trade skills education, and collaboration with local businesses, Iowa fills America's skills gap with smart, educated and efficient workers.
Iowans are Loyal
The average Iowan stays with an employer for 12 years - three times the national average.
Specialized Employment Concentrations
Location Quotients
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2017
Iowa's Universities are Research Powerhouses
Two Iowa universities are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the top 62 private and public research universities in the U.S. and Canada. Iowa is one of only seven states with more than one public university in this prestigious body.
Laborshed Studies
A flexible tool for understanding the workforce characteristics of the local labor market.
Unmatched Quality of Life
With our low cost of living, vibrant communities, stunning natural beauty and world-class arts and entertainment, Iowa consistently ranks as one of the best places to live and work.