The Workforce
Needs Assessment was conducted from September 2007 through January
2008 by Iowa Workforce Development with support from the Iowa
Association of Business and Industry. Employers were asked to
provide information regarding both their current level of employment
and their current and expected job vacancies. The goal of the
survey was to collect and analyze data regarding the demand for
workers and the skills required of workers in the area. This
information can be used by economic developers, government agencies,
and departments of education to guide their decision making on
issues related to workforce development, vocational training, and
employee recruitment programs.
Statewide Needs Assessment Survey 2007/2008
Laborshed Studies
Laborshed studies provide
community economic developers and existing or prospective employers
a flexible tool to understand the local labor market and make
informed expansion and site selection decisions.
A
Laborshed is defined as the area or region from which an employment
center draws its commuting workers. Laborshed studies show the
distribution of the workers irrespective of natural or political
boundaries. Laborsheds also
address underemployment, the availability and willingness of current
and prospective employees to change employment within the workforce,
current and desired occupations, wages, hours worked and distance
willing to commute to work.
