Central Iowa employers are entering with a generally positive outlook, but persistent skills gaps and challenges in attracting young workers remain significant concerns, according to the results of the Central Iowa Workforce Survey released by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
The survey, which provides an updated view of regional hiring trends and workforce challenges, indicates that more than half of responding employers plan to add staff in , with few anticipating workforce reductions. This suggests continued economic growth in the region, but also highlights the increasing difficulty businesses face in finding qualified candidates to fill open positions.
“Businesses across Central Iowa are preparing for growth, but they continue to face real challenges in recruiting and developing talent,” said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber. The survey findings, she added, underscore the need for “stronger alignment between employers, educators and workforce partners—especially when it comes to preparing future talent.”
The most pressing issue identified in the survey is a widening skills gap. Employers reported persistent shortages in key areas, including communication, digital literacy, and technical expertise, spanning all experience levels – from entry-level interns to senior executives. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but the survey suggests the gap is not closing quickly enough to meet the demands of a growing economy. The lack of these skills is forcing companies to invest more in training and development, or to leave positions unfilled.
Beyond the skills gap, the survey also revealed limited participation among high school-aged workers. Structural barriers, such as scheduling conflicts with school activities, limited supervision capacity within businesses, concerns about work readiness, and potential liability issues, are hindering employers from effectively engaging this demographic. While many employers are willing to offer entry-level positions – including customer service roles, internships, and administrative support – they struggle to overcome these obstacles.
The findings align with broader national trends. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America’s Workforce Survey, while focused on the construction industry, also points to difficulties in finding skilled workers. The Iowa Workforce Development agency continues to track unemployment and job data through surveys of individuals and businesses, providing a broader picture of the state’s labor market, but the WDM Chamber’s survey offers a more granular view of the Central Iowa region.
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce intends to use the survey data to drive expanded collaboration between employers, schools, and workforce development organizations. The goal is to create more effective pathways for education and career preparation, ensuring that the region’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed to support future economic growth. This includes addressing the barriers preventing high school students from entering the workforce and developing more robust training programs to close the identified skills gaps.
The survey’s emphasis on youth workforce development is particularly noteworthy. Limited participation from high school students suggests a missed opportunity to build a pipeline of future talent. Addressing the structural barriers – scheduling, supervision, readiness, and liability – will be crucial to increasing youth engagement and fostering a stronger connection between education, and employment.
The positive hiring outlook, coupled with the identified challenges, presents a complex picture for Central Iowa’s economy. While businesses are optimistic about growth, their ability to realize that growth will depend on their success in attracting, training, and retaining a skilled workforce. The Chamber’s commitment to fostering partnerships and addressing the identified gaps is a critical step towards ensuring the region’s continued economic prosperity.
The survey results also implicitly highlight the need for businesses to proactively invest in employee development. Simply waiting for qualified candidates to emerge is no longer a viable strategy. Companies must be willing to upskill and reskill their existing workforce to meet evolving demands and bridge the skills gap. This may involve providing internal training programs, supporting employees’ pursuit of further education, or partnering with local educational institutions to develop customized training solutions.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives will be closely monitored. The economic landscape will likely be shaped by the ability of Central Iowa’s businesses and educational institutions to effectively address the workforce challenges identified in this survey. The region’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of these challenges will be a key determinant of its long-term economic success.
