Iowa Workforce Development

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! It's a time to celebrate the value, talent, and opportunities available to Iowans with disabilities in the workforce. From entrepreneurship to finding meaningful employment, Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation team is here to help.

The Career Training Physical Expansion Grant Program (CTPE) was recently announced. The new state-funded initiative is designed to help Iowa community colleges, trade unions, and private sector apprenticeship programs expand their physical capacity to train more workers in high-demand fields. This is a recording from the September 29, 2026, informational webinar covering the grant.

🎬 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0nzL8-tu78

Every journey starts with the first step. If you're exploring career options, there's no better place to start than with an apprenticeship! Learn the skills you'll need for the job you're doing and become proficient in your craft.

Explore opportunities or get information by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice

📰 NEWS: The latest in Iowa’s workforce report showed that Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% for the fourth month in a row (May/June/July/August 2026). Meanwhile, Iowa employers added 2,400 new jobs, led by 1,300 in manufacturing and gains in healthcare and leisure & hospitality. Read the full report at https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-09-17/iowas-unemployment-rate-remains-32-percent-august

WEBINAR: The Career Training Physical Expansion Grant Program (CTPE) was recently announced and is now accepting applications. If your organization has questions about the new $3.5 million apprenticeship grant funding opportunity for high-demand jobs, please join Iowa Workforce Development on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM. It will feature a live Q&A along with additional grant information.

📌 Register now by visiting: https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bZ1gf1AQS4OSWB_RRgEocA

📣 NEW GRANT: The Career Training Physical Expansion Grant Program (CTPE) is now open for applications. The grant funding opportunity is aimed at helping expand apprenticeship programs through community colleges, trade unions, and the private sector. $1.5 million of the $3.5 million available is being reserved for high-demand careers in to meet the state's needs. The deadline to apply is 2:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026. Stay tuned for more info, including a webinar.

Get more information by visiting: https://workforce.iowa.gov/ctpe

Today, we remember all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

We hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend! As a note, our offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Since 1996, Iowa Workforce Development has partnered with local communities, employers, and many others to help Iowans succeed in their jobs and careers. We look forward to continuing to serve every Iowan, from rural to city, wherever your job journey takes you.

📰 NEWS: Iowa's Unemployment Insurance (UI) tables that are used to tax employers will remain at the lowest possible level in 2027. This announcement follows the state's annual UI trust fund review, which found the fund maintaining a healthy balance of more than $2 billion. Read more about the tax table, fund, and other information in the new update from Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development here: https://workforce.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-09-02/iowa-announces-fifth-consecutive-year-lowest-possible-ui-tax-rates-employers